I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 180 of "Hachiko's Tale" has wrapped filming! Signs of an economic crisis are beginning to emerge!

The filming of "Hachiko Monogatari" has finally come to an end, guided by Hiroshi Nohara's almost obsessive perfectionism.

The sunrise and sunset at Shibuya Station, the changing seasons in the Akita countryside—everything is like a meticulously crafted painting, leaving an eternal mark on film.

Everyone on the crew was exhausted, yet their hearts were pounding with excitement. They knew that a film worthy of being recorded in history had quietly been born.

Takashi Ashikaga and Kita Asano, these two directors who once boasted of their extensive experience as second-tier directors, now seem to have undergone a complete transformation. From initial skepticism to later amazement, and now to genuine admiration, they appear to have experienced a long and arduous journey of self-cultivation.

The moment Hiroshi Nohara announced "filming wrapped," the two of them almost simultaneously let out a long sigh of relief. That sense of relief, mixed with an indescribable sense of accomplishment, made them feel so light that they could float away at any moment.

Upon returning to the production department of TV Tokyo, the first thing they did was go to the office of Managing Director Toshihide Takada.

After all, Takada Toshihide was the leader who promoted them.

As they pushed open the door, the familiar scent of sandalwood and coffee wafted out of the office, allowing the two of them to relax their tense nerves slightly.

Takada Toshihide was sitting behind his desk, toying with a pen in his hand. When he saw Ashikaga Takashi and Asano Kita, a subtle, scrutinizing look flashed in his deep eyes.

"You're back." Takada Toshihide's voice was calm: "Hachiko Monogatari has wrapped filming?"

"Yes, Deputy Director Takada, we're back." Ashikaga Takashi and Asano Kita bowed in unison, their tone respectful.

"Filming has wrapped up," Asano Kita added. His face, which always wore a friendly smile, now showed a hint of weariness he had never seen before, but deep in his eyes, an excited light flickered.

Takada Toshihide nodded, gesturing for the two to sit down.

His gaze swept over their slightly haggard yet radiant faces, and a playful smile curved his lips: "Having spent so much time with Hiroshi Nohara, you two seem to have gained quite a bit of insight?"

Upon hearing this, Ashikaga Takashi and Asano Kita exchanged a glance, both seeing the same bitter smile in each other's eyes.

“Deputy Director Takada, you certainly have a point.” Ashikaga Takaji sighed, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. “We finally understand. Nohara, that’s why he’s called a ‘monster’!”

"A monster?" Takada Toshihide raised an eyebrow. He put down his pen, leaned forward slightly, and his eyes revealed a keen interest. "Oh? Tell me more. I don't think this kid is anything special, except that he's young and handsome."

His words sounded like a joke, but deep down, there was a hint of curiosity about Hiroshi Nohara.

He lost too many times.

Even now, he still wants to know what kind of person that legendary monster really is.

Fortunately, the two directors I sent to integrate into Hiroshi Nohara's story can answer my questions.

Upon hearing this, both Ashikaga Takashi and Asano Kita couldn't help but smile wryly.

They knew that Deputy Director Takada was giving them an opportunity to express the shock they had accumulated over this period of time.

“Deputy Director Takada, we really underestimated Hiroshi Nohara.” Asano Kita spoke first, his chubby face filled with disbelief and shock. “When we make movies, we always have a script first, then storyboards, and then we start filming. But Director Nohara… he doesn’t play by the rules at all!”

"Oh?" Takada Toshihide's interest grew even stronger.

“He…he draws movies like comics!” Takashi Ashikaga chimed in, his voice trembling with disbelief. “From the initial outline to the script and finally the storyboard, he built everything like a comic book! Every scene, every shot, every character’s expression, even the changes in light and shadow, he sketched them out stroke by stroke in advance!”

"That's not just a storyboard, it's practically a complete movie manga!" Asano Kita added excitedly, even standing up and gesturing wildly. "We just need to film according to his manga, it's like... it's like copying a pre-made movie frame by frame!"

"Moreover, his attention to detail is simply obsessive!" Ashikaga Takashi also stood up, his eyes filled with fervent respect. "He can spot at a glance which shot has a problem, which actor's emotions are off, and which set needs adjustment. He can always give the most precise guidance in the first instance, even giving clear instructions on Hachiko's hair color and the style of the professor's glasses!"

“What’s most unbelievable to us is…” Asano Kita’s voice lowered a few decibels, his tone tinged with confusion, “We can sense that Director Nohara doesn’t actually understand traditional filmmaking theory. He hasn’t studied professional cinematography, editing techniques, or those obscure film theories from directing departments.”

"He...he makes movies entirely based on an almost instinctive intuition!" Takashi Ashikaga chimed in, his eyes filled with confusion and awe. "He's like a born filmmaker, using his unique 'cartoon-like thinking' to bring films to life and move people deeply! We even wonder if he...if he traveled back from the future?"

As Takada Toshihide listened to their descriptions, the playful smile on his face vanished, replaced by a deep contemplation and...bitterness.

He slowly leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath, a breath that seemed to carry away all the stubbornness and resentment in his heart.

"I knew it... I knew it." Takada Toshihide muttered to himself, a hint of self-mockery in his voice. "I knew it. How could a twenty-three-year-old like him possibly make a film like 'Seven Samurai'? Turns out, he wasn't making a movie at all; he was... drawing a movie!"

He shook his head with a wry smile, his gaze fixed on the vast Tokyo Bay outside the window, his eyes deep and tinged with bitterness.

"Looking at it this way, it was indeed a wise choice for Director Sakata to ask me to put aside my sectarian biases and cooperate with him." Takada Toshihide sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness, yet filled with heartfelt recognition of Hiroshi Nohara's unfathomable talent.

He turned his head, his gaze falling once again on Ashikaga Takashi and Asano Kita, his eyes filled with a hint of helplessness, yet also with anticipation.

"So, Ashikaga-kun, Asano-kun," Takada Toshihide sighed, "it seems that all we can do now is learn from him, embrace him, and strive to achieve what he did."

He paused, his tone becoming earnest: "You must cooperate with him and assist him. What he wants is not just your experience, but also your loyalty and execution. If you can do that, perhaps your lives will be different. Perhaps you can also follow him to a better future."

Upon hearing this, Ashikaga Takashi and Asano Kita sighed and nodded, saying nothing more.

However, he still looked shocked.

They never imagined that Takada, the former deputy director and leader of the "Tokyo faction," would say such a thing!
We chatted briefly again.

Looking at Takada Toshihide's calm face, which seemed to have resigned himself to his fate, they recalled Nohara Hiroshi's excessively young face. Their hearts, which had long been completely conquered by Nohara Hiroshi's talent, were now rippling with fervent excitement.

They admire strength.

Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that Japanese people admire strength.

Hiroshi Nohara was the strongman they were willing to follow.

From this moment on, their life trajectories will be completely changed.

They will no longer be the "Tokyo School" directors who are obsessed with factional struggles, but will become a brand new version of themselves under Hiroshi Nohara's command, striving for the future of "Dai-Tokyo TV" and the rise of Japanese culture.

Looking at the two men's fervent expressions, a faint, helpless smile finally appeared on Takada Toshihide's face.

He knew that these two guys had also been won over by Hiroshi Nohara.

It only takes about two weeks.

They were already captivated by Hiroshi Nohara's talent.

He could even foresee that in the near future, Hiroshi Nohara would stand at the pinnacle of Japanese culture with an unparalleled presence, and even shine with his own unique brilliance in politics, business, and various other fields.

"Sigh, a monster is a monster." Takada Toshihide leaned back in his chair, pursed his lips, and said nothing more.

So be it.

After experiencing so many setbacks, he was a little tired.

Since Hiroshi Nohara is so talented, TV Tokyo will definitely have a bright future.

Even as the executive deputy director of the production bureau, I also owe some credit to my superiors, don't I?

Takada couldn't help but smile, though there was a hint of bitterness in his smile.

But considering Hiroshi Nohara's despair-inducing talent and the upcoming release of "Hachiko Monogatari," a film so powerful that even Governor Koike expressed his support, he chose to remain calm.

……

After filming wrapped, Hiroshi Nohara did not choose to rest.

He locked himself in his office and threw himself into the intense post-production editing work.

He's like a solitary craftsman, rearranging and recombining those emotionally charged film reels on the editing table, giving them new life. Every shot, every piece of music, every control of rhythm embodies his almost obsessive pursuit of perfection in film.

He knew that post-production editing was the key to the ultimate success or failure of a film.

He wanted to make "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" not only deeply moving, but also a classic that could be passed down through the ages!

In the office, only the soft hum of the editing equipment and Hiroshi Nohara's occasional sighs could be heard. On the screen in front of him, Hachiko's loyal figure, the professor's warm smile, and the changing seasons at Shibuya Station were all presented perfectly in his hands.

He even personally selected the film's soundtrack, ensuring that the melodies—whether melodious, sorrowful, or hopeful—perfectly blended with the visuals, pushing the audience's emotions to one climax after another.

When the last frame was finished editing, and when the last note was perfectly synchronized with the visuals, Hiroshi Nohara let out a long sigh of relief.

That tone carried a hint of post-battle fatigue, yet was also filled with an indescribable sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze calmly fixed on the screen where the newly completed film, "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale," was displayed.

He succeeded.

This film, refined and amplified by him, is more perfect, more moving, and more touching than any version he could remember.

He could even foresee the sensation this film would cause throughout Japanese society and even the world after its release.

Hiroshi Nohara's lips unconsciously curved into a satisfied smile. The joy that came from the bottom of his heart made him feel as if he were enveloped in a warm light.

He picked up the mobile phone and pager on the table, which had been dormant for half a month.

For the past two weeks, in order to meet deadlines, he has almost completely isolated himself from the outside world. He selectively ignores all phone calls and text messages.

Now, it's time to "lift the ban".

As soon as he turned on his cell phone and pager, a barrage of notification sounds came instantly!
"Di Di-"

"Beep beep-"

The text message notifications from cell phones and the beeping of pagers intertwined in this quiet office, creating a unique symphony.

Hiroshi Nohara shook his head with a wry smile.

He knew these were all "greetings" from various parties.

He glanced through them casually and, sure enough, most of them were messages of concern and greetings from relatives and friends.

"Hiroshi, I heard your new movie is about to start filming? Is it the one about a dog? Good luck, we all believe in you!" — This was a message from Misae's younger sister, Maya Koyama, her tone filled with trust and expectation for him.

"Hiroshi-ge! Is 'Hachiko Monogatari' really going to be filmed? I'm so excited! When can I visit the set?" — This was a message from Koyama Yumeya, her tone full of a little girl's unique excitement and curiosity.

"Hiroshi-kun, Happy New Year! The box office of 'Seven Samurai' continues to rise! Director Sakata and Mr. Fujiwara are very optimistic about the 'Hachiko Monogatari' project! Our publicity department will definitely give you our full support!" — This was a message from the secretary of the publicity minister, with just the right amount of respect and flattery in his tone.

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled and nodded. He knew that these were affirmations of his personal abilities and a huge boost to his future career.

He continued scrolling down and soon came across a text message from the mayor of Daqu City, a message that was full of official jargon.

"Hello, Nohara-kun! I heard you're preparing for the movie 'Hachiko Monogatari'? Our Omagari City and Akita Prefecture are very supportive of your project! If you need any assistance, whether it's a venue or resources, we will do our best to help!"

"By the way, Nohara-kun, the governor of Akita Prefecture also highly praised your project. He commended you for making a huge contribution to promoting the culture of your hometown! He even said that if the film needs it, he would be willing to personally promote it!"

Hiroshi Nohara's lips unconsciously curved into a satisfied smile.

This recognition and support from my hometown is also very important.

He continued scrolling down and soon saw a text message from his older brother, Nohara Sashi.

"Hiroshi, you're amazing! Your 'Hachiko: A Dog' project was simply brilliant! The leaders in Omagari City and Akita Prefecture were all vying to approve loans for us! Now, our Nohara Family Co., Ltd. has already purchased more than 500 acres of land, and we are still expanding as the loans come in! We expect to reach 1,000 acres by the middle of the year!"

Hiroshi Nohara smiled with satisfaction.

The hard work finally paid off.

These lands, which may seem worthless now, are a great safety net for the future, and could even be considered the secret weapon that helped the Nohara family take off!
The reason lies in the economic bubble!
He clearly remembers that Japan's economic bubble seemed to have started in 1991.

The real estate market gradually declined, and then it completely exploded in August 1992.

The real estate market collapsed, the stock market plummeted, and most of the paper assets vanished.

At that time, the entire urban economy of Japan will completely collapse, and the remaining economy will be forced to return to the countryside and local areas to eke out a living, which will also allow agriculture and agricultural cooperatives to begin to rise to the peak of the historical stage.

Thinking of this, Hiroshi Nohara's eyes instantly became deep.

He knew that this was a crisis, but also a huge opportunity!

He wants Nohara Corporation to be a "survivor" or even a "beneficiary" of this economic crisis!
He immediately composed a text message and sent it to his older brother, Nohara Sashi.

"Brother, the government is currently regulating the economy, but please remember, agriculture will always be the most resilient sector. So, speed things up and do everything possible to continue expanding the farmland! Especially the Akita dog breeding, we need to accelerate that as well!"

"After my film 'Hachiko Monogatari' is released, the value of Akita dogs will definitely rise rapidly! At that time, we will be able to recoup more funds and buy more land!"

"Brother, my goal is—at least five thousand acres of land! I hope you can work hard too! Don't be afraid to spend money!"

After sending the text message, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze calmly fixed on the brightly lit Tokyo outside the window.

He knew that an unprecedented economic storm was already brewing and was about to sweep across Japan.

But he also firmly believed that with his wisdom, his vision, and his never-say-die spirit, he would be able to lead the Nohara family to stand firm in this storm, and even turn the tide against all odds!

He wants the Nohara family to be the "winner" in this economic crisis!
And even if you take out a lot of loans now...

After the economic crisis ends.

Currency devaluation.

Paying back the money will be incredibly easy!
P.S.: Everyone, please give me some feedback in the book review section. I'm feeling a bit dazed right now because of all the sudden updates. I'm often blinded by my own involvement. I really appreciate all your suggestions…

(End of this chapter)