I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 182 Takada Toshihide's overtures! "Hachiko's Tale" goes to be reviewed!
In the Tokyo TV production building, on the seventeenth floor, the head of the department's office is bathed in sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm, golden glow upon the interior.

Hiroshi Nohara sat behind his desk, put down his pen, and wore a faint smile. He had just finished a conference call about a new program and was feeling quite relaxed.

"Guangzhi-kun, Guangzhi-kun!"

The office door was flung open, and Deputy Director Ming Rihai's face, which always radiated a cheerful smile, was now filled with barely suppressed excitement. He practically ran in, waving a document in his hand like a child who had just received candy.

"Guess! Guess how much 'Seven Samurai' has grossed?!" Asumi's voice trembled slightly, and his shrewd eyes shone with a light as bright as stars.

Hiroshi Nohara simply watched Asumi's excited expression calmly, feeling a bit amused.

"Oh? Deputy Director Asumi, judging from your expression, did you break another record?" Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone carrying a perfectly timed tone of cooperation.

"It's more than just breaking records! It's...it's a miracle!" Asumi exclaimed excitedly, slamming the documents on the table. The sound almost shattered the windows of the entire office. "Seven Samurai's box office has already surpassed six billion yen! Six billion yen, Hiroshi-kun! And it's only been showing for less than two months!"

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the elation in his heart, and then pushed the document in front of Hiroshi Nohara, pointing to the striking number on it, his tone filled with disbelief and shock: "Moreover, according to the latest box office forecast, if this momentum continues, the final box office is expected to exceed eight billion yen by the end of next month! Eight billion yen! This is a top-level achievement for a Japanese domestic film!"

Hiroshi Nohara picked up the document, his gaze calmly sweeping over the astonishing numbers, a satisfied smile unconsciously curving his lips.

Six billion yen, eight billion yen... This figure is indeed even more astonishing than the Seven Samurai in his previous life.

"Not bad," Hiroshi Nohara commented simply.

This composure and calmness impressed Asumi. He knew that Hiroshi Nohara's calmness was not a pretense, but stemmed from absolute confidence in his own abilities.

"It's more than just good!" Asumi exclaimed excitedly, plopping down on the sofa opposite Hiroshi Nohara. His voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement: "Hiroshi-kun, do you know that if the final box office reaches eight billion yen, as the producer and director, plus the share from TV Tokyo, you'll personally receive 1.5 billion yen!"

1.5 billion yen!
This number, like the most precise nuclear bomb, exploded in Hiroshi Nohara's mind in an instant!

Although he had some expectations about the profitability of the film, he never imagined that a mere film could bring him such enormous wealth!

In his previous life, "Hiroshi Nohara" probably couldn't have earned even a fraction of this amount in his entire life. And yet, he created such an astonishing wealth myth in less than two months!
Hiroshi Nohara gazed out the window at the vast Tokyo Bay, his eyes as deep and unfathomable as the starry sky. He let out a long breath, a breath carrying a hint of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing感慨, a sense of satisfaction, and a newfound understanding of the world).

"As expected, making movies is really lucrative," Hiroshi Nohara muttered to himself. "No wonder so many people are going to make movies. It's practically... faster than robbing people."

Upon hearing this, Asuka burst into laughter.

"Yes, Hiroshi! So you have to work hard!" Asumi said with a smile, her tone full of expectation: "You are now our cash cow at TV Tokyo! We are all counting on you to bring more miracles and more wealth to TV Tokyo!"

He paused, then turned his gaze to Hiroshi Nohara, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes: "By the way, Hiroshi-kun, how's your 'Hachiko Monogatari' project coming along? Is it almost in post-production?"

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara smiled faintly.

Asumi's "curiosity" was not a simple inquiry, but rather a signal being sent to him—this film is also receiving a lot of attention.

“Yes, Deputy Director Asumi, you’ve asked the right question.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone carrying just the right amount of confidence: “The filming of ‘Hachiko Monogatari’ has wrapped up, and I’ve also finished post-production editing. Now, it’s ready to be sent for review at any time.”

"What?!" Asumi's eyes widened instantly, his face filled with disbelief and ecstatic joy! He sprang up from the sofa, his excitement almost overwhelming him. "Really?! Hiroshi-kun! You...you finished it so quickly?! This...this is incredible speed!"

He paced excitedly around the office twice, then rushed to Hiroshi Nohara, his voice pleading, "Hiroshi-kun! If you're going to the audition, please take me with you! I... I can't wait to see the finished film!"

“Of course, Deputy Director Asumi.” Hiroshi Nohara replied with a smile. Just as he was about to say something more, a familiar and magnetic voice came from outside the office door.

"Oh? Asuka-kun, you're quick on your way. Are you planning to go admire Hiroshi-kun's latest masterpiece alone?"

Eiji Kurosawa, the first-class director hailed as a giant of Japanese samurai films, is standing smiling at the office door. He is dressed in a dark kimono, perfectly tailored and impeccably tailored.

That weathered old face now radiated a playfulness and anticipation that belied its age.

"Director Kurosawa!" Asumi saw Eiji Kurosawa and an awkward smile immediately appeared on his face. His tone was filled with surprise and delight: "You...you're here too?"

"Why can't I come?" Eiji Kurosawa asked with a light laugh. He walked into the office with a calm stride, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with admiration and anticipation: "I've been looking forward to Hiroshi-kun's movie for a long time. I also want to know what kind of surprise he can bring us this time."

He paused, then added with a perfectly timed "command": "So, Hiroshi-kun, if you're going to do the audit, please take me with you! I... I want to go too!"

Hiroshi Nohara couldn't help but laugh when he saw Eiji Kurosawa's "playful old man" appearance.

He has always held Eiji Kurosawa in high esteem.

“Of course, Director Kurosawa.” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile, “It would be my honor to have you and Deputy Director Asumi accompany us.”

"Good! Good! Good!" Eiji Kurosawa nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with a happy smile.

However, at that moment, Asumi suddenly coughed lightly, a hint of embarrassment appearing on his face.

He glanced at Eiji Kurosawa, then at Hiroshi Nohara, and asked somewhat awkwardly, "Hiroshi-kun, um... could I bring one more person with me?"

Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. He looked at Asumi with some surprise, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"Oh? Deputy Director Asumi, who are you planning to take with you?" Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone carrying just the right amount of amusement.

"That's a long story." Asumi scratched his head, his embarrassment becoming even more pronounced.

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his expression serene and composed, as if he had everything under control. He knew that Asumi's "request" was no accident.

“Of course, Deputy Director Asumi,” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile. “Just bring as many people as you want to submit it for review. I welcome anyone who likes my work.”

"Good! Good! Good!" Upon hearing this, Asuka's face immediately lit up with a smile. He quickly stood up and said, "Thank you, Hiroshi-kun! I'll go and call him over right away!"

As he spoke, he rushed out of the office, leaving Hiroshi Nohara and Eiji Kurosawa looking at each other in bewilderment.

Eiji Kurosawa watched Asumi's hurried departure, shook his head, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.

"Hiroshi-kun, you really... turned our TV Tokyo upside down," Eiji Kurosawa said with a light laugh, a hint of emotion in his voice. "Now, it truly is an 'era of great integration.' All of this is thanks to you."

Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. He looked at Eiji Kurosawa's weathered face, a thoughtful expression flashing in his eyes.

"The era of great integration?" Hiroshi Nohara murmured to himself. He recalled what Director Nobuhiko Sakata had said before—to integrate the "Tokyo faction" and the "Kanto faction," and to make himself, a genius with absolute performance in all four fields, the absolute pillar in the middle.

A thought struck him, and his gaze fell toward the office door, a knowing look appearing on his face.

"Director Kurosawa, you're not... referring to Managing Director Takada, are you?" Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone carrying a perfectly measured "guess." Just as he finished speaking, a slightly deep, yet somewhat helpless voice came from outside the office door.

"Oh? Hiroshi-kun, is my image really that unpopular with you?"

Takada Toshihide, the former leader of the "Tokyo Faction," stood smiling at the office door. His face no longer bore its usual arrogance and gloom; instead, it displayed a somewhat complex calm.

His gaze fell on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with a hint of inquiry, a hint of curiosity, yet also a hint of indescribable resignation.

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara gave a wry smile. He knew that Toshihide Takada had overheard his "guess."

He could only stand up and give a slight bow to Takada Toshihide as a courtesy, his humility and composure just right.

This is, after all, a courtesy exchanged between a subordinate and a superior in Japan.

“Managing Director Takada, you’re too kind,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone carrying just the right amount of “explanation.” “I just didn’t expect you to come in person. After all, you are the Managing Director, and you are very busy. I really wouldn’t dare to trouble you.”

He paused, then added a hint of genuine doubt in his voice: "I just didn't expect that Managing Director Takada would be willing to come with us to submit 'Hachiko: A Dog' for review. This... this really flattered me."

Upon hearing this, Takada Toshihide's complex expression became even more pronounced. He glanced at Nohara Hiroshi, then at Kurosawa Eiji beside him, a helpless smile playing on his lips.

He knew that Hiroshi Nohara's words were both flattery and an attempt to save face for himself.

But he knew even more that his visit this time was not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

“Hiroshi-kun, you don’t need to be so polite.” Takada Toshihide sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness yet full of sincerity: “This time, Governor Koike specifically requested that you promote this film. Moreover, my two subordinates, Ashikaga and Asano, also reported to me that the film is very well made and very moving.”

He paused, his gaze fixed on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with curiosity: "So, I came here this time out of curiosity. Curious about what kind of surprise you can bring us this time. So, I also want to take advantage of the review process to get a sneak peek at this 'Hachiko Monogatari'."

As soon as he finished speaking, Asumi entered again. He glanced at Takada Toshihide, then at Nohara Hiroshi, and a slightly embarrassed smile appeared on his face.

After all, Asumi hadn't told anyone beforehand that Takada Toshihide, the executive deputy director, would be going along.

It was a bit abrupt.

But at this moment, being a naturally cheerful person, he also intended to salvage the awkward atmosphere.

"Hahahaha! Managing Director Takada, isn't that a bit insincere?" Asumi laughed, her tone carrying just the right amount of teasing. "I think you're clearly... surrendering to Hiroshi-kun's talent, aren't you?"

Upon hearing this, Takada Toshihide's face immediately flushed red.

Although he was indeed impressed by Hiroshi Nohara's talent, and given that Director Sakata's arrangements were genuinely for the future of TV Tokyo, he was willing to ease tensions with Hiroshi Nohara.

But being told this out loud still made this old man in his fifties feel somewhat ashamed and angry.

He glared at Asuka: "Asukai! What nonsense are you spouting! I... I was just curious!"

However, his "shameful" explanation seemed so weak and powerless.

Looking at Hiroshi Nohara's young and handsome face, at his composure and confidence, and recalling all the contempt and suppression he had shown him before, all the arrogance and resentment in his heart turned into a helpless sigh at this moment.

This Hiroshi Nohara is almost the same age as my child, yet he possesses such talent and status.

It soared into the sky like a rocket being launched.

This shocked him greatly.

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.

“Alright, Asumi-kun, you’re right.” Takada Toshihide sighed, his tone filled with helplessness, yet also with a hint of heartfelt approval. “Hiroshi-kun is indeed the future of TV Tokyo. I’ve read all his works, whether it’s Seven Samurai, Super Transformation, or those manga… his talent is truly astonishing.”

He paused, then looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with anticipation: "So, this time, I plan to go with you too. Let's go see 'Hachiko Monogatari,' and see what kind of surprise you can bring us this time."

Looking at Takada Toshihide's resigned expression, Hiroshi Nohara smiled with satisfaction. He knew that from this moment on, the divide between the "Tokyo faction" and the "Kanto faction" would be completely bridged in his hands.

“Alright! Since Managing Director Takada is willing to go along, let’s go together!” Hiroshi Nohara said with a smile, his tone full of confidence.

Everyone exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere in the office instantly became more relaxed.

"In that case, I will inform Lord Fujiwara in advance."

Eiji Kurosawa picked up the phone and dialed Hideaki Fujiwara's number: "Hello, Fujiwara-kun? This is Eiji Kurosawa. We're about to go and review Hiroshi-kun's 'Hachiko Monogatari'. Would you... like to come along?"

Fujiwara Hideaki's slightly excited voice came from the other end of the phone: "Oh? Director Kurosawa! You guys went to review it so quickly?! That's great! Of course I'm going! I've been looking forward to it for so long!"

He paused, his tone full of anticipation: "Wait a moment, I'll be right there! I want to see what kind of surprise Hiroshi-kun will bring us this time!"

Eiji Kurosawa hung up the phone, a satisfied smile on his face.

He knew that with Hideaki Fujiwara's involvement, the submission for review would proceed much more smoothly.

"Alright, everyone." Hiroshi Nohara stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, a confident glint in his eyes. "Now that everyone is ready, let's set off!"

This film, "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale," is more than just a movie; in its previous life, it represented a responsibility, a commitment to culture and humanity.

It swept across Japan and became the box office champion of the year—that's no exaggeration!
Hiroshi Nohara truly placed high hopes on this.

He wants to use his work to change the world, to influence more people, and to make his name resound throughout the world!

And now, he is about to embark on this road to the pinnacle of culture!

"Let's go then."

Everyone nodded in unison, their faces beaming with confident smiles.

They believe that under Hiroshi Nohara's leadership, "Hachiko Monogatari" will once again create miracles and shock the entire Japanese and even the world!

Thus, amidst an atmosphere filled with anticipation and confidence, Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada left the office in a grand procession, striding towards the film censorship department.

(End of this chapter)