I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 175 The Minister's Appointment! "Hachiko: The Tale of a Loyal Dog" is About to Be Filmed!

"That's right, this is Hiroshi Nohara, the youngest, most trusted, and most promising head of the production department at TV Tokyo!"

Nobuhiko Sakata's voice, like the crispest winter wind, carried an undeniable authority that instantly suppressed Tokugawa Sato's restless greed.

He even deliberately emphasized the words "promising future" and "most trusted," clearly sounding an alarm for Sato Tokugawa—this young man was not someone he could easily mess with.

Sato Tokugawa's fat face stiffened for a moment, then a smile even more "enthusiastic" than before appeared.

That smile carried a hint of a businessman's cunning, as well as a touch of the hypocrisy of someone in a position of power.

"Oh my! It's you, Captain Nohara! I've heard so much about you!" He rubbed his hands exaggeratedly, his small, narrowed eyes now filled with just the right amount of flattery and admiration: "Your name now resounds throughout Tokyo! Whether it's the box office phenomenon of 'Seven Samurai' or the national popularity of 'Super Transformation,' it makes this old man feel... feel truly admiring!"

As he spoke, he once again extended his large, fleshy hand, adorned with a huge jade thumb ring, towards Hiroshi Nohara with great enthusiasm, as if he were about to shake hands with an old friend he hadn't seen for many years.

However, just as his hand was about to touch Hiroshi Nohara, Nobuhiko Sakata silently appeared between the two.

His movements were understated, yet full of undeniable power.

Nobuhiko Sakata's deep eyes remained completely still, yet they carried a chilling coldness that could send shivers down anyone's spine.

"Chairman Sato, I'm truly sorry," Nobuhiko Sakata said calmly. "Hiroshi-kun is going to visit Mr. Fujiwara and the department head next. Do you think it would be better to postpone this handshake... until next time, when he has more free time, for a more formal ceremony?"

This immediately drew astonishment from those around who were still observing the scene.

Lord Fujiwara! Minister!
Each of these two names would be enough for them to wield immense influence in Tokyo's political and business circles. And now, these two figures, practically at the pinnacle of their abilities, are actually... actually waiting for Hiroshi Nohara?!
All the smiles on Sato Tokugawa's fat face froze in an instant, and his outstretched hand stood stiffly in mid-air.

He then realized that Nobuhiko Sakata's words were not only preventing him from shaking hands with Hiroshi Nohara, but also blatantly demonstrating to him Hiroshi Nohara's lofty status, which far exceeded his imagination!

"Oh dear! Yes, yes, yes! Director Sakata is right! I didn't think it through!" Sato Tokugawa quickly withdrew his hand, and a fawning smile reappeared on his fat face.

He bowed deeply to Nobuhiko Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara, his posture as humble as that of a junior employee: "Department Head Nohara, you are so young yet you have already received such an honor, you truly... truly have a bright future! I admire you! I admire you!"

He paused, then turned his gaze to Nobuhiko Sakata, his tone carrying just the right amount of respect: "Director Sakata, the New Year has just passed, and our Kirin Real Estate has several large real estate projects scheduled to open in the Kanto region. We'll be counting on Tokyo TV's help with the publicity. I wonder... I wonder if Director Sakata has the time to sit down and have a proper chat?"

"Oh?" Nobuhiko Sakata responded indifferently, his deep eyes remaining completely calm, as if Tokugawa Sato's tempting words about "cooperation" were nothing but irrelevant nonsense to him.

He simply said, "Chairman Sato, our TV station's executive deputy director, Toshihide Takada, is very familiar with these kinds of matters. You can just talk to him directly if you have any questions."

"Now, Hiroshi-kun, we should go. Lord Fujiwara and the Minister are waiting for us."

As Nobuhiko Sakata spoke, he ignored Tokugawa Sato's already stiff face. He simply patted Hiroshi Nohara's shoulder lightly, and then led him with composed steps toward the corridor deep inside the hall.

That nonchalant attitude, that blatant disregard for face, is more lethal than any insulting words.

Sato Tokugawa stood there blankly, watching the figures of Sakata Nobuhiko and Nohara Hiroshi gradually disappear into the distance. All the smiles had faded from his fat face, leaving only a feeling of annoyance and... resentment at being completely ignored.

He clenched his fists tightly, and his small, narrowed eyes now flashed with a coldness as sharp as a venomous snake.

He ignored the amused and smug looks from the celebrities and dignitaries around him.

His gaze was fixed intently on Hiroshi Nohara's tall and slender back, his eyes filled with intense possessiveness and...undisguised, naked desire.

He was like a hungry wolf eyeing its prey; his hunger and desire seemed to burst forth from his large, fleshy body.

“Hiroshi Nohara…” he murmured to himself, his voice carrying a chilling hoarseness and… a morbid excitement: “You little rascal, you’re really… very interesting.”

The surrounding celebrities and dignitaries exchanged knowing glances as they looked at Sato Tokugawa's almost obsessive gaze.

They knew that the old man, Sato Tokugawa, had set his sights on another "prey."

They all knew that Sato Tokugawa had an almost pathological obsession with young and handsome men.

His "canary," Shunsuke Kamiki, is the best example.

And now, he has set his sights on Hiroshi Nohara.

This...this is really going to be interesting.

……

After walking into the corridor and leaving Sato Tokugawa behind, Hiroshi Nohara finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Hiroshi Nohara also felt something strange and uncomfortable.

He turned his head and looked at the calm and composed face of Nobuhiko Sakata beside him, his eyes filled with doubt.

"Director, what's wrong with Chairman Sato? What happened to him?" Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Upon hearing this, Nobuhiko Sakata simply chuckled and shook his head: "Hiroshi-kun, you don't need to find it strange. Sato Tokugawa, that guy, he's a lecherous old man."

"Old lecher?" Hiroshi Nohara asked, puzzled.

“Yes, old lecher.” Nobuhiko Sakata sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness. “He’s most fond of young and handsome men. Your lead actor in ‘The Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree,’ Shunsuke Kamiki, is his ‘canary.’”

"Shunsuke Kamiki? His canary?!" Hiroshi Nohara's eyes widened instantly, his face filled with disbelief and horror.

Only then did he understand why that guy, Kamiki Shunsuke, was so arrogant and overbearing.

So, it turns out that he had this kind of "sugar daddy" standing behind him?!

“Yes, Canary.” Nobuhiko Sakata looked at Hiroshi Nohara’s shocked expression and a faint smile appeared on his face, but there was a hint of warning in that smile: “Hiroshi-kun, you’re too handsome. So, he’s got his eye on you too.”

"..." Nohara Hiroshi finally understood what Sato Tokugawa's almost obsessive gaze meant.

He then understood why Nobuhiko Sakata had adopted such a tough stance earlier.

This left him feeling somewhat speechless.

“Hiroshi-kun, don’t worry.” Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice softened again. He reached out and gently patted Hiroshi Nohara’s shoulder, his tone full of concern: “Our TV Tokyo is a behemoth, we are giants. As long as you stand firm, a mere Sato Tokugawa can’t touch you.”

“And…” He paused, his gaze sweeping across the brightly lit corridor ahead, his eyes deep and intense: “You are now the future of TV Tokyo. We are all counting on you to bring us more miracles. Therefore, we will never allow anyone to harm you.”

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled back into his stomach.

He looked at Nobuhiko Sakata's calm face, and the protection and trust from his superior felt like a warm current that instantly flowed through his heart, which had long been hardened by the world of fame and fortune.

He took a deep breath, transforming all the shock and chills in his heart into a firm response.

Hiroshi Nohara nodded emphatically: "Yes, Chief, I understand!"

"So, just relax." Nobuhiko Sakata chuckled, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. "Those real estate developers may have money, but in the face of power, they're really nothing."

As he spoke, still looking at Hiroshi Nohara's questioning eyes, he chuckled softly and said, "You have no idea what kind of background our TV Tokyo has!"

However, just as Nobuhiko Sakata was about to explain things to Hiroshi Nohara, a servant dressed in a high-class kimono walked gracefully down the corridor.

He bowed respectfully to Nobuhiko Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara, his voice gentle and refined: "Director Sakata, Minister Nohara, His Excellency Fujiwara invites you to move to the private room."

The servant clearly knew the two men.

"Okay, I understand." Nobuhiko Sakata nodded, then led Hiroshi Nohara deeper into the corridor.

As their figures disappeared behind the heavy wooden door at the end of the corridor, the celebrities and dignitaries in the hall fell into whispers once again.

"Good heavens! Lord Fujiwara actually invited them personally?!"

"Yes! And in a private room no less! This... this is an unprecedented honor!"

"It seems that this young man, Hiroshi Nohara, is truly destined for great success!"

"Director Sakata really... values ​​this young man too much!"

Envy, jealousy, suspicion, admiration... a complex mix of emotions filled the hall.

They knew that the real highlight of the dinner was just beginning.

Everyone is here to attend the banquet.

But a banquet is a banquet.

The real interaction takes place in those small private rooms!
Of course, Hiroshi Nohara and Nobuhiko Sakata were not the only ones invited into the private room.

Occasionally, attendants dressed in high-class kimonos would move through the crowd, escorting important celebrities and dignitaries into the various private rooms deep within the hall.

This also includes Sato Tokugawa.

He looked in the direction where Hiroshi Nohara and Nobuhiko Sakata had disappeared, then looked at the private room he had been invited into. A hint of resentment flashed in his small, narrowed eyes, yet there was also a hint of indescribable excitement hidden within them.

He knew that tonight's banquet would definitely not be peaceful.

……

Hiroshi Nohara followed Nobuhiko Sakata through a series of quiet corridors until they finally arrived at a heavy box door carved from golden nanmu wood.

The servant gently pushed open the door.

Inside the private room, the air was filled with a faint aroma of sandalwood and tea.

Fujiwara Hideaki was sitting upright by the coffee table, a gentle smile on his face.

To his left sat a slender elderly man wearing black-rimmed glasses. Although he was already in his fifties, his brows exuded an air of quiet authority and composure.

He simply sat there quietly, yet he exuded a powerful aura that made people afraid to look him in the eye.

"Director Sakata, Mr. Nohara, please have a seat." Fujiwara Hideaki gestured to them.

He first respectfully introduced the elderly man at the head of the table, saying in a low voice, "Your Excellency, this is Nobuhiko Sakata, Director of the Production Department of TV Tokyo, and our protagonist today, Hiroshi Nohara."

Then, he turned to Nobuhiko Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara and introduced them with great respect: "Director Sakata, Mr. Nohara, this is the Minister in charge of publicity for our Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, who is also the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of the Japanese Cabinet, and a veteran member of the House of Representatives who has proposed many reforms to the publicity department of the television station. He is highly respected."

"Your Excellency, Minister of Publicity!"

Nobuhiko Sakata and Hiroshi Nohara bowed simultaneously.

The department head in charge of publicity for the Greater Tokyo Area!
A vice minister of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology!
These two titles, each word representing the absolute control of Japan's highest power structure over the fields of culture and propaganda!
Moreover, he is a member of the House of Representatives.

Each of these identities is enough to give him a pivotal position in Japanese politics!

"Sakata-kun, Nohara-kun, no need for formalities, please have a seat." The voice of the Minister of Publicity finally rang out, as steady and powerful as an ancient bell.

The two sat down respectfully.

The Minister of Public Relations first looked at Nobuhiko Sakata, a faint smile appearing on his face: "Sakata-kun, how have you been lately? Is your work at TV Tokyo going well?"

Nobuhiko Sakata quickly and respectfully replied, "Thanks to Your Excellency, everything is going smoothly. Under your guidance, TV Tokyo has been striving to provide the people with the highest quality cultural products."

"Hmm, very good." The Minister of Propaganda nodded in satisfaction.

Then, his gaze slowly turned to Hiroshi Nohara.

In those deep eyes, a hint of inquiry, a hint of appreciation, and yet a touch of elusive playfulness flashed.

"Nohara-kun, you're quite good." The voice of the Minister of Publicity rang out again, each word carrying an undeniable weight: "I've read all your works. Whether it's the horror of 'Yamishibai,' the imaginative plot of 'Tales of the Unusual,' or the passion of 'Yu Yu Hakusho,' they all make this old man feel... feel sincere admiration."

He paused, his tone carrying just the right amount of praise: "Especially your 'Tales of the Unusual,' which not only pioneered the new horror genre of 'urban ghost stories,' but also added a layer of mystery and charm to our greater Tokyo metropolitan area through those suspenseful and thought-provoking stories."

"It has attracted countless young people and sparked a strong interest in the city of Tokyo. In fact, many people from other places decided to live in Tokyo and experience the unique charm of the city after reading your 'Tales of the Unusual.' Nohara-kun, you have made a huge contribution to the promotion of our Greater Tokyo Area with your work."

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara was surprised that the Minister of Public Relations could so accurately perceive the deeper value of "Tales of the Unusual".

He simply smiled modestly, bowed his head respectfully, and said, "Your Excellency, you flatter me. It's all I should do."

"No, that's not an exaggeration at all." The Minister of Propaganda shook his head, a hint of appreciation flashing in his deep eyes: "What you've done is far more than you imagine. Your work is not just entertainment, but culture, art, a great force capable of influencing an era and the spirit of a nation."

He paused, and his tone became serious:

"Especially your 'Super Transformation' and 'Seven Samurai'. 'Super Transformation' has made the connections between people closer. It has allowed those who were originally indifferent and alienated in the city to rediscover the warmth of family and the feeling of human kindness. It has taught those who originally only knew how to complain and blame to use humor and creativity to face the challenges of life."

"And Seven Samurai..."

His Excellency the Minister of Propaganda exclaimed with admiration: "It is not merely a film, but a great epic capable of deconstructing the era, class, and humanity! It makes us re-examine Bushido and rethink the tragic fate of our nation. It teaches us that true heroes are never determined by status, but by their 'heart'!"

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his deep eyes filled with expectation:
"Nohara-kun, with your work, you have brought a brand new trend to Japan and to our nation. You are the cultural hope of Japan in the new era!" At this moment, besides the propaganda minister and Mr. Fujiwara, there were several other subordinates in the room.

Hearing these words at that moment, everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

A tremendous wave of emotion surged within me!

They never expected that Hiroshi Nohara's work would receive such high praise!
Hiroshi Nohara, of course, was also adept at social etiquette. He was not a real twenty-three-year-old youth. He immediately stood up and bowed deeply to the Minister of Public Relations, his voice filled with sincerity and respect: "Minister, you flatter me. Your professionalism and insight have impressed me... have impressed me from the bottom of my heart."

"Professionalism? Insight? Hahahaha!" Upon hearing this, the Minister of Propaganda burst into laughter, his voice like ice breaking in winter, filled with unbridled joy.

He waved his hand, his tone slightly teasing: "Nohara-kun, don't flatter me like that. I actually came from TV Tokyo too. Come to think of it, I was once a second-level director in the production department."

"what?!"

Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback; he was genuinely surprised.

He never imagined that this Minister of Public Relations, who controlled the cultural and promotional lifeline of the Greater Tokyo Area, was actually... was once a member of TV Tokyo?!

This is absolutely shocking gossip.

"Yes, back then, Sakata-kun was just a third-rate director." The propaganda minister chuckled, then turned his gaze to Sakata Nobuhiko, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Nobuhiko Sakata gave a helpless, bitter smile.

He knew that his former boss was making fun of him.

“Minister, please don’t joke with me.” Nobuhiko Sakata spoke softly, his tone carrying just the right amount of humility: “You were the backbone of our production department back then! How could I, a mere third-rate director, compare to you?”

"Hahahaha!"

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Propaganda burst into laughter again, his voice filled with boldness and unrestrained spirit.

He pointed at Nobuhiko Sakata, then at Hiroshi Nohara, a sly smile spreading across his face: "Nohara-kun, don't underestimate TV Tokyo. TV Tokyo is no ordinary television station."

He paused, his tone tinged with mystery: "Did you know? The current governor of Tokyo was once the former director of our Tokyo TV station."

"..." Hiroshi Nohara was even more surprised at this moment.

The governor of Tokyo is equivalent to a high-ranking official in a previous life.

Moreover, he's a high-ranking official, equivalent to those in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen combined!

After all, the entire Japanese government, including Tokyo Metropolitan Government, bears 40% of the tax revenue and 40% of the fiscal appropriations. In addition, with the concept of the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, nearly 50% to 60% of Japan's wealth is located here.

Does the position of the Governor of Tokyo need further explanation?

He was actually... he was once the former director of TV Tokyo?!

This...this is simply an unbelievable fantasy that has overturned all his understanding!

"Hahahaha!" Nobuhiko Sakata, seeing Hiroshi Nohara's shocked expression, finally burst into laughter, his voice filled with smugness and pride: "Hiroshi-kun, now you understand, right? We at TV Tokyo are all 'Tokyo faction'!"

His tone was full of expectation: "So, Hiroshi, you'd better work hard. The future of TV Tokyo depends on you!"

Looking at the calm yet smiling face of the Public Relations Minister, and then at Nobuhiko Sakata's encouraging expression, Hiroshi Nohara wisely lowered his head and said, "Yes! I'll do my best!"

This made everyone present smile with satisfaction.

Hiroshi Nohara now finally understands the true meaning of the "Tokyo School".

That's not a simple factional struggle.

It was a vast and secretive cultural and political alliance that permeated the entire Greater Tokyo Area and even the highest levels of power in Japan!

And now, Hiroshi Nohara has been recruited by this alliance with such a high attitude and such sincerity!
This recognition, this trust, this expectation.

It made him genuinely feel that it was good.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Relations was still looking at Hiroshi Nohara, a hopeful smile playing on his lips: "Nohara-kun, you are very good. Your talent and vision are enough to lead our Japanese culture into a new era."

He paused and then asked, "So, I hope you can continue to work hard and create more and better works for Japan. Works that can guide the national character and embody the spirit of Japan."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the private room instantly became solemn.

The subordinates present, including Hideaki Fujiwara, all turned their gazes toward Hiroshi Nohara.

They knew that the minister's words were not only an affirmation and expectation of Hiroshi Nohara, but also conveyed to him a clear "mission" from the highest level of power.

Leading the nation's character and embodying the spirit of Japan...

This is not as simple as "making a movie" or "making a TV show".

This is about elevating an individual's work to the level of "national policy"!

Hiroshi Nohara's lips curled slightly upon hearing this.

He knew that the opportunity he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

“Your Excellency, you flatter me.” Hiroshi Nohara replied, “Regarding what you said about a work that guides the national character and embodies the spirit of Japan, I… I do have an immature idea.”

"Oh?" The Minister of Publicity's eyes lit up instantly. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara with a keen interest on his face: "Tell me about it."

Hiroshi Nohara raised his head, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone in the private room, his clear eyes remaining completely undisturbed.

He knew that these words would determine his future status in the Japanese cultural world, and would also determine the ultimate outcome of his grand plan, which had been brewing in his heart for a long time.

He took a deep breath and slowly uttered the name.

"I plan to make a movie called 'Hachiko Monogatari'."

"The Tale of Hachiko?" The Minister of Publicity frowned slightly, a look of confusion on his face. "Is this... a story about a dog?"

“Yes, Minister.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his clear eyes remaining completely calm. “It tells the touching story of an Akita dog named Hachiko who, after his owner’s death, waited for him at the station every day, rain or shine, for his return.”

"What it embodies is the most precious spirit of our Japanese nation—loyalty."

As soon as he finished speaking, the private room fell into a deathly silence. Everyone stared blankly at Hiroshi Nohara, their brows furrowed.

loyalty?

dog?
Leading the nation's character?

This...this is simply absurd!
"Nohara-kun, are you...are you kidding me?" A section chief in charge of public relations finally couldn't help but speak, his voice filled with barely suppressed doubt: "You're planning to use a story about a dog to guide the national character of Japan? This...this is just too much..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his tone was full of undisguised skepticism towards Hiroshi Nohara's "outlandish" idea.

“Yes, Nohara-kun.” Another section chief in charge of the news chimed in, his face full of confusion: “In Japan, we have countless stories about samurai, heroes, and loyalty. Why would you choose a story about a dog instead of something so close to home? And to combine dogs with loyalty to lead the nation… that seems a bit inappropriate, doesn’t it?”

"This is utterly ridiculous!" A section chief who appeared rather conservative couldn't help but snort, his face filled with displeasure. "A dog is still a beast! You want your people to learn the loyalty of dogs? This... this is simply an insult to the people of Japan!"

In an instant, doubts and incomprehension surged in like a tide, surrounding Hiroshi Nohara.

They looked at Hiroshi Nohara with undisguised skepticism towards this "inopportune" idea.

They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was very talented.

But this time, he was clearly "obsessed".

Fujiwara Hideaki also frowned, and a barely perceptible worry flashed in his deep eyes.

He knew that Hiroshi Nohara had truly offended these old-school civil servants this time.

Using dogs to guide national character?
In their eyes, this was simply outrageous!
However, faced with this torrent of public opinion that could overwhelm anyone, Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his clear eyes remaining completely undisturbed.

He knew that this was exactly the "challenge" he had anticipated.

He took a deep breath, his tone carrying a perfectly timed "sophistry," yet filled with convincing logic.

"Everyone, please listen to me," Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile. "I understand your concerns. After all, in traditional thinking, dogs are indeed just animals. But have you ever considered that it is precisely because they are dogs that their loyalty is all the more precious, all the more...touching the heart?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the private room, a playful smile appearing on his face:

“In Japan, we do have many stories about human loyalty. The loyalty of samurai, the loyalty of retainers, the loyalty of wives… We have seen and heard too many of these stories, and we have become numb to them.”

"Because human loyalty is always mixed with too many interests, too many calculations, and too many betrayals. Its purity has long been polluted by this complex society. So when we see a samurai who betrays for profit or a retainer who kills his lord for power in a movie, we are not too surprised, and we may even think that it is normal."

"But what about a dog's loyalty?"

Hiroshi Nohara's tone became impassioned, and a pure light shone in his clear eyes: "A dog's loyalty is pure, selfless, and unconditional. It will not despise you because you are poor, will not abandon you because you are old, and will certainly not betray you because you die!"

"It will only wait silently in the place where you once appeared, for your return. No matter the wind or rain, no matter the heat or cold, no matter how time passes, it will wait until the end of its life."

"This kind of loyalty is beyond human reach. This kind of loyalty is enough to penetrate all hypocrisy and scheming, and reach the softest, purest, and most primal emotion in people's hearts."

He looked at the faces of the crowd, who were completely stunned by his words, and a confident smile appeared on his lips.

"So, everyone."

Hiroshi Nohara's voice softened again, yet it was full of power: "When we see a dog in a movie waiting for its owner at a train station for ten, twenty years, or even until the moment of its death, rain or shine... don't we feel heartache? Don't we feel shocked? Don't we feel moved by this pure loyalty?"

"Shouldn't we reflect on this and consider what loyalty truly is? Shouldn't we yearn for the pure and selfless loyalty of a dog?"

"This is the core spirit that 'Hachiko: A Dog' wants to convey—it is not an insult to humanity, but rather it uses the loyalty of dogs to awaken in people's hearts that long-forgotten, purest, and most primal desire for loyalty!"

"It is not belittling the national character of Japan; it is redefining the most precious aspect of the Japanese spirit—loyalty—in the most unique and touching way!"

After he finished speaking, the private room fell into a deathly silence once again.

They never imagined that a seemingly absurd "dog story" could be interpreted by this young man with such profound meaning, and that he could elevate it to such a grand philosophical level!
His seemingly "sophistry" remarks were like the sharpest knife, precisely dissecting all their inherent prejudices and narrow-mindedness, and revealing a completely new, humane definition of "loyalty" to them!
The Minister of Public Relations' deep eyes were calmly fixed on Hiroshi Nohara.

He didn't speak, but slowly picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, like a connoisseur savoring a fine vintage wine.

A moment of silence.

Then he slowly put down his teacup, a genuine smile of appreciation appearing on his face.

"Nohara-kun, you're really quite impressive, you've really impressed me." The Minister of Public Relations spoke softly, his voice filled with admiration: "And you, kid, are really... too good at 'arguing'."

This seemingly joking remark is undoubtedly the highest level of approval for Hiroshi Nohara's "out-of-touch" idea.

“Yes, Minister Hideaki is right.” Fujiwara Hideaki smiled and nodded at this moment, a hint of understanding flashing in his deep eyes: “Nohara-kun’s idea is indeed very unique. But it is precisely because it is unique that it is more likely to resonate with a wider society in today’s information-saturated age.”

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his tone full of expectation: "After all, human joys and sorrows are not shared, but compassion for animals transcends national borders and races."

"yes……"

The other section chiefs in the private room nodded in agreement, their faces showing thoughtful expressions.

They looked at Hiroshi Nohara, and all their doubts and dissatisfaction had faded away, leaving only amazement and admiration.

According to Hiroshi Nohara's explanation, they found that this was indeed the case!
The purity of animal emotions.

It's truly touching!

And loyalty among people... these civil servants, especially those in leadership positions, must have experienced a truly mixed feeling!

“Very good.” The Minister of Public Relations looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his smile becoming even more gentle: “Nohara-kun, your idea is very interesting. I look forward to your ‘Hachiko Monogatari’. As long as you make it, our publicity department will definitely give you the greatest support.”

He paused, then looked at Fujiwara Hideaki, his tone carrying a perfectly timed reminder: "Fujiwara-kun, you'll be in charge of following up on this project. I trust you won't let me down."

"Yes, Minister! Please rest assured, I will do my best." Fujiwara Hideaki immediately bowed in response.

Then he looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his admiration growing stronger: "Nohara-kun, once your 'Hachiko Monogatari' is finished filming, I definitely have to watch it first. After all, I never hide my expectations for you!"

“I understand, Mr. Fujiwara.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, a smile playing on his lips.

My own Hachiko Tale... isn't that on the agenda?
It's endorsed by a high-ranking leader!
Can we not take the picture?

(End of this chapter)