I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 172 The Four Major Awards in Japan! An Invitation to a Banquet! Recognition from the Government!
"Having broken 5 billion in box office revenue, is it possible for it to surpass 7 billion?" Hiroshi Nohara smiled as he looked at the above prediction.

The start of 1991 was indeed quite good.

Although he already knew the sensation "Seven Samurai" had caused in the Japanese film industry in his previous life, and how far-reaching its influence was, considered a cornerstone work that made Akira Kurosawa a famous director.

But unexpectedly, in this parallel world of neon lights, he was just as invincible.

But thinking about it, I understand.

The cultures are all the same, just with slight differences in the details, but it is still Japanese culture at its core.

The sensation of the past life can certainly be replicated in this world.

Previous works such as "Yamishibai", "Tales of the Unusual" and "Super Transformation" have already proven this point.

“Not bad.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded.

"Hahahaha! Hiroshi! That's more than just good!" Just then, Eiji Kurosawa's voice came from outside the door.

He even ended up in Hiroshi Nohara's department.

This immediately caused a stir among the newly hired department members. Their gazes toward Eiji Kurosawa were filled with fervor and admiration. After all, Eiji Kurosawa, this frank and famous director, was a unique and god-like idol in the hearts of many people!

"Director Kurosawa," Hiroshi Nohara greeted him immediately.

"Hmm. You've really made us proud!" Kurosawa Eiji laughed, took out a thick stack of reports from his briefcase, and handed them to Nohara Hiroshi.

"This was just sent to me by a friend from the film association. It's the box office data for all the movies released during the Christmas and New Year's seasons." Eiji Kurosawa's voice trembled slightly, yet it was filled with barely suppressed excitement: "I want to see how long those so-called 'blockbusters' can keep jumping around in front of 'Seven Samurai'!"

Hiroshi Nohara took the report, which was a detailed box office statistics table that was thirty pages long.

He casually flipped through a few pages, and a look of understanding flashed in his clear eyes.

The report prominently listed thirty films that were released during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Without a doubt, the number one spot belongs to Seven Samurai!
Cumulative box office: 39.8 billion yen!
The second place went to a romance film called "Yada Ayaka's Love".

Cumulative box office: 19 billion yen.

With its theme fitting the romantic atmosphere of Christmas and New Year, and starring popular idol Ayaka Yada, it's no surprise that this film achieved a box office of nearly two billion yen.

After all, Japanese movie box office revenue peaks during holidays. Once the holidays end, box office revenue drops sharply.

The fact that Seven Samurai achieved such a terrifying number of views in just twenty-two days undoubtedly tells everyone that it has completely broken the curse of the "holiday effect"!

Hiroshi Nohara continued reading.

The third place goes to an urban crime film, which grossed 12 billion yen.

The fourth place goes to a campus youth film, which grossed 10.5 billion yen.

The fifth place goes to a heartwarming family film, which grossed 10.3 billion yen.

The remaining films mostly grossed less than 1 billion yen, and many even failed to break 100 million yen, thus being eliminated by the market early on.

He looked at the report, a playful smile curving his lips.

He knew that this box office battle had completely ended with the resounding victory of "Seven Samurai"!

"My God! The box office of 'Seven Samurai' is more than double that of the second place?!" Tanaka Kei was the first to exclaim in surprise. He looked at the report, his serious face filled with disbelief and shock!
Behind him, others also crowded around to look at the data, especially the three section chiefs of Nohara Production Department, who craned their necks to look at it.

"As expected of Captain Nohara!" Yamamoto Takeshi's face was filled with pride: "My Seven Samurai is simply... unrivaled!"

"Those so-called 'blockbusters' are simply... utterly insignificant compared to Nohara-kun's 'Seven Samurai'!" Hashiichiro nodded in agreement.

With their words, the entire department once again erupted into a frenzy of victory and joy.

Anyone would be excited to follow such an outstanding minister.

Furthermore, because I was also in this department, I felt a sense of vanity!
It'll make you look good if we tell others!

However, at that moment, a young employee suddenly exclaimed in astonishment, "Huh?! Look! Twenty-third place! The twenty-third place is... it's 'The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree'?!"

The name immediately piqued the curiosity of many more people.

Including Tomorrow Sea.

I looked over there too.

"Oh?" Then a smirk appeared on his lips, his eyes full of amusement: "Twenty-third?"

The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree!
That "big production" that claimed to have an investment of 300 million yuan and an astronomical amount of publicity expenses!
That "timeless classic" that Takada Toshihide had high hopes for, intended to crush "Seven Samurai"!
That "new era samurai film" starring the popular idol Shunsuke Kamiki!
It's unbelievable... it's only ranked twenty-third?!

"Hahahaha! I'm dying of laughter! Twenty-third place?!" Tanaka Kei was the first to burst into laughter, pointing at the name on the report, tears almost streaming down his face: "Their movie will be lucky if it grosses over 500 million yen! As for all that advertising money, it's all gone down the drain!"

Yamamoto Takeshi sneered, his cold, hard face filled with undisguised contempt: "That sissy Kamiki Shunsuke? His portrayal of a samurai is a joke!"

Hashimoto Shichiro nodded as well: "This movie is hopeless."

It is currently ranked twenty-third.

Box office: 3.07 million.

Moreover, the price stopped rising from the tenth day onwards.

Turning the tide is simply impossible!
"But speaking of which..." a young employee suddenly stroked his chin, a playful smile appearing on his face: "That movie, although it was a complete disaster, at least it starred that pretty boy, Shunsuke Kamiki. He's a top idol with tens of millions of fans! Who knows, he might even get a nomination at the Japanese awards in two months!"

"Hahahaha!"

Upon hearing this, the entire office erupted in another hearty burst of laughter!
Everyone smiled knowingly.

They knew the young man was right.

In this era dominated by capital, traffic is king.

As long as you have money and traffic, even a terrible movie can be forced into the spotlight and even get a nomination in those so-called "awards".

After all, who can blame them when Kamiki Shunsuke is backed by a capital giant like Kirin Real Estate?

And this is precisely the only ironclad rule of this era, both the most real and the most cruel.

"Alright, alright, stop laughing." Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly, his clear eyes remaining completely undisturbed, as if all of this was nothing more than a normal, predictable event.

He casually placed the box office report on his desk, then slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Gentlemen, let's get back to work." His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority: "The victory celebration will be held, but not now. We have many more miracles waiting for us to create. We have many more opponents waiting for us to crush."

“Deputy Director Asumi, Director Kurosawa.” He turned to the two men and said, “Let’s go to your office to discuss this in detail. I think it’s time we started planning our awards for the Japanese film and television industry.”

"Good! Good! Good!" Asumi's face was full of satisfaction: "Hiroshi-kun is right! It's time for us to show those old guys the strength of the Kanto Faction!"

Eiji Kurosawa simply smiled, his weathered old face now filled with boundless anticipation for the future.

Whether it's a TV series or a movie.

Ratings are one thing.

Box office revenue is one aspect.

Awards are another aspect that these producers and directors value highly!
……

In Asuka's office, the air was filled with a faint aroma of tea.

Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, and Eiji Kurosawa sat around a coffee table with a newly printed document on it.

That's a list of all the major awards in the Japanese film and television industry.

Asumi picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and his face was filled with barely suppressed satisfaction: "The box office of 'Seven Samurai' has completely exceeded all of our expectations. 3.98 billion yen! This is simply... a milestone for Japanese domestic films. I think it's no problem to nominate this film."

"Moreover, based on the latest box office trend analysis, breaking the 5 billion yen mark is a certainty. It's even possible that it could reach 6 billion or 7 billion yen!"

"If Seven Samurai isn't nominated, I don't think any movie would dare to enter the awards competition!"

Eiji Kurosawa nodded as well: "The movie 'Seven Samurai' is likely to be a big hit."

"That's great." Hiroshi Nohara just smiled calmly, his clear eyes showing no ripples, as if all of this was just a normal plot that he had already anticipated.

"Deputy Director Asumi, Director Kurosawa, this is just the beginning." Hiroshi Nohara asked, "If we're predicting which awards 'Seven Samurai' will be nominated for, I can't wait!"

Box office revenue is certainly important.

But awards are the ultimate standard for measuring a film's artistic value and historical status!
If Seven Samurai can win these awards, then it will not only be a "box office miracle", but also a true "timeless classic"!
Asumi pointed to the documents on the coffee table and explained, "The Japanese film industry has four major awards: the Japan Academy Film Prize, the Blue Ribbon Award, the Kinema Junpo Award, and the Mainichi Film Awards. These are all our goals for 'Seven Samurai'!"

"As for the television industry..." Asumi paused, a smug smile appearing on his face: "Besides the Japan Academy Prize and the Mainichi Film Awards, TV Tokyo has just started preparing a brand new award—the Tokyo Drama Awards! Although this award is newly established, it represents TV Tokyo's highest expectations and vision for the future of television!"

"Hiroshi-kun, all your works, whether it's 'Super Transformation,' 'Tales of the Unusual,' or 'Yamishibai,' are likely to win awards in these categories!"

Asumi looked at Hiroshi Nohara, her eyes filled with boundless anticipation for the future and absolute trust in Nohara's godlike abilities: "I dare say! This year, the Japanese film and television industry will become your exclusive stage, Hiroshi Nohara!"

Eiji Kurosawa nodded in admiration, saying, "Yes, Hiroshi-kun, you're truly...amazing! In my entire life, I've never seen a young person achieve such remarkable success in so many fields!" "However, the biggest problem now is..."

Eiji Kurosawa frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes: "Film awards are not like box office rankings, which only look at numbers. They value the judges' tastes more, and... and those intricate human relationships."

He paused, his tone heavy: "Especially the Japan Academy Film Prize, which is voted on by the major companies in the Japanese film industry and film professionals. Those old guys from the Tokyo school, they are deeply rooted and have a huge influence in the film industry."

"Yes."

Asumi nodded, his smile fading slightly: "That old fox, Takada Toshihide, although he lost miserably at the box office, his seniority and connections in the film industry are far more profound than those of us from the Kanto faction. He certainly won't just stand by and watch our 'Seven Samurai' sweep all the awards."

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara with a hint of warning: "Hiroshi-kun, you'd better watch out. The upcoming awards competition won't be as simple as the box office battle, where it's just about the numbers."

Hiroshi Nohara understood this perfectly well.

He had learned about it in his previous life.

But absolute strength is strength. Even if capital can manipulate things, it will still choose to support truly good works.

That's right, after all, good works can bring good returns on investment.

After capital weighs the pros and cons.

Can we stop praising it?
"Deputy Director Asumi, Director Kurosawa, you are overthinking it."

Hiroshi Nohara's voice was confident: "Interpersonal relationships are certainly important. But in this world, nothing is more convincing than ability."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the documents on the coffee table, a faint smile appearing on his face: "They want to play, we'll play along. The more they try to use those underhanded tactics to hinder us, the more we'll use our purest strength and most stunning works to completely crush them!"

"I'd like to see." Hiroshi Nohara's lips curled into a smile, his eyes looking at a group of clowns: "In the face of absolute strength, how much of a storm can those so-called 'human relationships' stir up!"

Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa exchanged a glance, both seeing a tacit, affectionate look in each other's eyes.

"Good!" Kurosawa Eiji slapped his thigh and said, "Hiroshi-kun is right! We, the Kanto faction, will play along with them to the end! I want to see how long those old guys can keep jumping around!"

Asumi nodded, but in a relaxed tone: "However, this matter can be easily handled by just telling Director Sakata. After all, no matter how much trouble those guys from the Kanto faction cause, they can't go too far when they are united against a common enemy."

As soon as Asuka finished speaking, the office door was gently pushed open.

A figure walked in unhurriedly.

He wore a dark kimono, perfectly tailored and impeccably tailored. Although his temples were streaked with gray, it did not diminish the dignity and composure befitting a person in a superior position.

"As expected, you're all here."

Nobuhiko Sakata, the top executive of the production department at TV Tokyo, was smiling as he slowly walked to the coffee table.

His gaze fell on the list of awards on the table, then he looked at Hiroshi Nohara, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

"It seems you're discussing awards." Director Sakata chuckled, his voice as warm as the spring sun, yet carrying an undeniable authority. "No need for discussion. I've already submitted all of Nohara-kun's works under the name of TV Tokyo Production Bureau."

"Director!"

Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, and Eiji Kurosawa stood up almost simultaneously and bowed deeply to Nobuhiko Sakata.

"Please sit down." Nobuhiko Sakata waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down, and then walked to the head seat and slowly took his seat.

Asumi immediately brought him a cup of fragrant tea. Nobuhiko Sakata nodded, took it, and took a small sip. His gaze fell on Hiroshi Nohara, and his face showed genuine admiration.

"Hiroshi-kun, you've created another miracle for TV Tokyo this time."

Director Sakata's voice was full of admiration: "The box office of 'Seven Samurai' and the social impact it has generated have far exceeded my expectations. I often wonder, how does your brain work? How can you create so many excellent works in such a short period of time? Really, you are amazing."

"Hahahaha!"

Upon hearing this, both Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa couldn't help but laugh. They knew that Director Sakata's words were the highest praise for Hiroshi Nohara.

"You flatter me, Director." Hiroshi Nohara chuckled.

"You flatter me?" Director Sakata shook his head, his smile fading slightly, replaced by a profound look: "No, not at all. Your abilities are more than worthy of all praise."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa, his tone becoming serious. "Box office success is certainly gratifying. But the awards Hiroshi mentioned are equally important. Asumi, I heard your concerns earlier. You're worried that those old guys from the Tokyo faction will interfere and prevent Hiroshi from winning an award, is that right?"

The question was direct, and Asumi answered it just as readily.

“Yes, Director.” Asumi nodded, his smile fading slightly. “That old fox, Toshihide Takada, has far more experience and connections in the film industry than our Kanto faction. He certainly won’t just stand by and watch our ‘Seven Samurai’ sweep all the awards.”

"Hmph." Chief Sakata snorted coldly, a chilling glint flashing in his calm eyes: "They won't."

He slowly put down his teacup and said, "Minor conflicts are acceptable, internal strife is acceptable, but when we are united against a common enemy, if anyone dares to stab us in the back, I, Sakata Nobuhiko, will never let anyone get away with it!"

"No matter who it is, no matter which faction they belong to, if they dare to do something that shakes the foundation of TV Tokyo, I will make them pay the most painful price!"

These words are extremely serious.

Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji looked at Chief Sakata's imposing face, and both saw a deep sense of awe in each other's eyes.

They knew that Chief Sakata was truly determined to kill.

"The director is wise!" The two bowed in unison, their voices filled with respect.

Director Sakata nodded, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara again, but his tone softened.

“Hiroshi-kun, you’ve done a great job. Your work and your talent have been recognized by everyone. So…” He paused, his tone carrying a decisiveness that would shock anyone: “From today onwards, you no longer need to worry about the distinction between the ‘Tokyo faction’ and the ‘Kanto faction’ at TV Tokyo.”

"what?!"

Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa looked horrified.

Factional divisions have been a "tradition" of TV Tokyo for decades!

From the day they joined the company, this factional struggle was ingrained in their very being, becoming a part of their work and life.

And now, Director Sakata has actually announced that he wants to erase this factional legacy?!

This...this is simply an unprecedented feat!
"Yes, you heard me right." Director Sakata calmly looked at the two people's shocked expressions, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Times are changing, and our TV Tokyo must change with the times."

"The factional struggles of the past certainly had their historical reasons. But now, they have become the biggest obstacle hindering our progress. We can no longer be bound by these pointless internal conflicts. We should devote all our energy to the creation of our works, the cultivation of talent, and the future of TV Tokyo!"

He turned his gaze to Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with expectation: "And you, Hiroshi-kun, are the future of TV Tokyo. Your talent, your vision, your works are enough to lead us into a brand new era!"

"Therefore, from today onwards, our TV Tokyo will focus on you, this new generation, and erase all traces of factionalism. Whether it's the Tokyo faction or the Kanto faction, all resources and all talent will be at your disposal. Let's all work together to create a new era that belongs to our TV Tokyo!"

After he finished speaking, Asumi and Eiji Kurosawa stood there dumbfounded, their faces filled with...

They never imagined that the bureau chief they had followed for half their lives would make such a huge sacrifice and would trust a young man so much!

They knew that Director Sakata's words were not merely an affirmation and support for Hiroshi Nohara.

It is also the most thorough delegation of power and...entrustment to these older generations.

"Thank you for your guidance, Director!" Hiroshi Nohara bowed deeply to Director Sakata at that moment.

He knew that this kindness was of paramount importance.

He knew that Director Sakata was using his political life to pave a smooth road to the future for him.

"No need to thank me." Director Sakata waved his hand, a gentle smile returning to his face. "This is what you deserve. I only hope that you can work harder and create more, bringing more and better works to TV Tokyo and to Japan. You are the cultural hope of Japan in the new era!"

"Yes! I understand!" Hiroshi Nohara nodded emphatically.

“Oh, right, Hiroshi.” Director Sakata seemed to suddenly remember something. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and his tone became more relaxed: “Besides announcing this decision, there is another thing I need to tell you today.”

"Tomorrow night, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host a party at the 'Golden Pavilion' in Ginza to celebrate the start of the new year. Many celebrities and wealthy dignitaries will be attending."

"Furthermore, Lord Fujiwara specifically requested that you participate as well."

"what?!"

Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji were both a little stunned. They looked at each other, feeling one shock after another.

A party hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government?!
And it was at the "Golden Pavilion" clubhouse?!
They know it too well.

This event, nominally hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, is in reality a top-tier social gathering attended by all the elites and aristocrats of the entire Greater Tokyo Area and even the region that accounts for 40% of Japan's economic power!
That wasn't an ordinary party; it was a stage where power and wealth intertwined!
That wasn't an ordinary invitation; it was a direct endorsement and...recruitment from the highest levels of power in Japan!
"Hiroshi-kun! You...you actually received such an invitation?!" Asumi's voice carried a hint of barely suppressed envy.

"Yes! Hiroshi-kun! This...this is an unprecedented honor!" Kurosawa Eiji was equally shocked, his weathered face filled with heartfelt admiration for Nohara Hiroshi.

They were high-ranking executives at TV Tokyo and giants in the Japanese film industry.

But even they rarely have the opportunity to attend parties of this caliber.

And Hiroshi Nohara, a young man of only twenty-three years old, actually received such an honor?!

This is simply...unbelievable!
"Hmm." Director Sakata looked at the two of them with a faint smile. "This time, the higher-ups specifically requested that Hiroshi be taken along. It's because Hiroshi has become very famous recently and has even changed the social atmosphere, so the higher-ups specifically requested that Hiroshi be groomed."

He paused, his tone also tinged with emotion: "Speaking of which, I'm quite envious of him too. His abilities have finally been recognized by the highest levels, which is a good thing for us at TV Tokyo!"

(End of this chapter)