I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 184 The Shocked Crowd! This is truly a golden age for Japan!

Inside the screening room, the lights were soft, and the air was filled with a slightly aged smell of film reels, quite different from the sandalwood and tea aromas in the clubhouse lobby. The room was filled with a sense of ritual associated with film.

Fujiwara Hideaki was already seated in the center of the first row, with Asumi and Takada Toshihide beside him.

Eiji Kurosawa sat on the other side of Hideaki Fujiwara, his gaze fixed on the huge screen, his eyes filled with anticipation for the film.

The twenty-odd censors sat in twos and threes behind them, each taking their seats. Some of them had already begun to talk in hushed tones, their whispers particularly clear in the quiet screening room.

"Have you heard? This is Hiroshi Nohara's new movie." An older committee member pushed up his reading glasses and said with a hint of doubt, "Seven Samurai was indeed well made, but it's a samurai film. After all, he has the background of director Kurosawa."

“Yes, I heard this time it’s that story about dogs and loyalty.” Another committee member chimed in, a hint of helplessness on his face: “I feel like this time it might not work out. Hiroshi Nohara is, after all, a young man in his twenties. It’s normal for him to be ambitious, but after making a samurai film, he dares to cross over into making a pet movie? And he wants to do something about ‘loyalty’? That’s just wishful thinking.”

"Exactly! Can the loyalty of a samurai be compared to the loyalty of a dog? I admit that 'Seven Samurai' is really good, and I like it very much. But this movie about dogs and loyalty is simply an insult to the Bushido spirit of Japan!" A committee member who looked rather conservative couldn't help but snort, his face full of displeasure.

"I want to see what kind of tricks he can come up with this time. I don't want him to end up making something that's neither fish nor fowl and ruining his own reputation."

Various voices expressing pessimism about Hiroshi Nohara quietly filled the screening room.

Although they had heard of Hiroshi Nohara's talent, they were still full of doubts about his bold attempt to cross over into a new field.

Fujiwara Hideaki frowned slightly upon hearing these whispers.

He was also a little worried.

He then turned to Asumi and Toshihide Takada beside him, his tone carrying a perfectly measured probing: "Sakada-kun, Asumi-kun, Takada-kun, have you seen the finished product of 'Hachiko Monogatari' before?"

Nobuhiko Sakata shook his head, a hint of regret on his face: "Mr. Fujiwara, we haven't seen it either. Hiroshi-kun almost completely isolated himself from the outside world during the post-production editing, just to give us a surprise."

Asumi echoed, a confident smile spreading across her face: "However, Lord Fujiwara, although we haven't seen the finished film, according to feedback from the production team, everyone involved in the production raves about it. They all say it's a great work worthy of being recorded in history!"

Although Takada Toshihide maintained his composure as a superior, he nodded at this moment, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty: "Yes, Lord Fujiwara. My two subordinates, Ashikaga and Asano, are both veteran directors with extremely high standards for film quality. But even they are full of admiration for Hiroshi Nohara's film."

Eiji Kurosawa didn't say much; he simply stared calmly at the screen, his eyes filled with trust in Hiroshi Nohara.

Fujiwara Hideaki looked at the three men's confident expressions and a thoughtful smile appeared on his face. He knew that these three men would never lie in this situation.

He nodded, his gaze returning to the screen, a hint of anticipation in his voice: "Alright! In that case, let's wait and see. I want to see what kind of surprise Hiroshi-kun will bring us this time."

Commissioner Matsumoto received instructions from the projectionists that the screening could proceed. Upon seeing the arrival of Mr. Fujiwara and his entourage, he immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Director Fujiwara, all the committee members and leaders are in place. The screening may begin."

Fujiwara Hideaki nodded, glanced around the screening room, his gaze calmly sweeping over the committee members before settling on the huge screen. He then said softly, "Let's begin."

"Yes!" Matsumoto nodded, then raised his hand to signal to the staff around him.

‘Click! ’

The lights in the screening room slowly dimmed, the huge screen lit up, and the movie "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" officially began.

The movie begins.

The scene depicts the Akita countryside in 1924, a peaceful landscape covered in snow. An abandoned Akita puppy stands there, its eyes filled with helplessness and curiosity.

The camera then shifts to Shibuya Station in Tokyo, where crowds throng and traffic flows.

University professor Hidesaburo Ueno, played by a highly respected veteran actor, appears on screen with a gentle and refined demeanor that perfectly matches the character. He is anxiously searching for a lost puppy.

The moment Professor Ueno met the little Akita dog, the air in the entire screening room seemed to freeze.

The puppy's wet eyes were filled with a sense of bewilderment and longing for the new world, while the professor's loving gaze was like the warm winter sun, instantly melting everyone's hearts.

"Is this the dog?" one of the review committee members muttered under his breath, a hint of unease in his voice.

A very ordinary Akita dog... but it seems...

It has a kind of silly and cute feel to it?
However, as the film progressed, the doubts gradually subsided.

The first scene of the movie.

The Akita puppy was taken home by the professor and named "Hachiko".

Hachiko's life in the professor's home is depicted as warm and full of fun. He clumsily learns to adapt to his new environment and interacts with the professor's daughter and wife.

The footage captures every moment of Hachiko's growth: from the mischievousness of a puppy, to the liveliness of a young dog, and then to the calm loyalty of an adult. In particular, the unspoken understanding between Hachiko and the professor is delicately presented by the camera.

One morning, Hachiko saw the professor off at Shibuya Station for the first time. It wagged its tail and watched the professor's figure disappear into the crowd.

In the evening, when the professor returned home from get off work, Hachiko appeared at the station entrance on time, wagging his tail to greet him. These everyday scenes, like a gentle stream, slowly nourished the hearts of the audience.

"This dog's acting... is simply amazing!" A committee member couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice. Looking at Hachiko's intelligent eyes on the screen, all his prejudices began to waver.

Act Two of the film.

The daily life of Hachiko and the professor has become even more deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Every morning, Hachiko would wait at the professor's doorstep on time to see him off as he left.

Then, at 5 p.m., it would appear at Shibuya Station again, waiting for the professor's return.

Regardless of wind or rain, regardless of scorching heat or freezing cold, Hachiko was never absent.

In one scene, snow is falling heavily, and Hachiko is covered in a thin layer of snow, yet he still stands steadfastly at the station entrance.

When the professor's figure appeared in the distance, Hachiko suddenly stood up, wagged his tail, and happily pounced on the professor.

The professor knelt down and hugged Hachiko tightly. The love between the man and the dog that transcended words brought tears to the eyes of many people in the screening room.

“Waaah…” One of the female committee members couldn’t help but let out a soft sob.

"This Akita Inu is truly... loyal." Fujiwara Hideaki sighed softly, his gaze fixed on the screen, his eyes filled with emotion.

Act III of the film.

Tragedy struck quietly.

On an ordinary morning, Hachiko saw the professor off as usual.

As usual, the professor patted Hachiko on the head and said with a smile, "See you tonight, Hachiko."

However, those words, "See you tonight," became a final farewell.

That evening, Hachiko appeared at Shibuya Station right on time.

It waited and waited, until night fell and the station was deserted, but the professor never appeared.

The confusion, anxiety, and disappointment in Hachiko's eyes were magnified infinitely by the camera, striking a chord deep within people's hearts.

"Professor... he won't be coming back?" a young committee member couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his voice trembling slightly.

Takada Toshihide and Asumi's expressions also became serious.

They knew how the plot was going to go, but at this moment, they were still moved by the sad atmosphere created by the movie.

Act IV of the film.

The professor's funeral.

Hachiko was locked in the professor's house. It struggled and howled, as if it knew that its beloved master had left forever.

When it finally broke free of its restraints and rushed to the professor's coffin, it simply lay quietly beside it, its eyes filled with endless sorrow.

After the funeral, the professor's family tried to take Hachiko away, but Hachiko broke free again and again. It stubbornly ran back to Shibuya Station and waited at the place where it met and said goodbye to the professor.

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter—the four seasons change.

The film uses a series of beautiful montage scenes to show Hachiko's unwavering waiting for ten years.

In the spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and Hachiko waits amidst a rain of petals.

The cicadas chirped incessantly in the summer heat, and Hachiko waited under the scorching sun.

As autumn leaves fluttered down, Hachiko waited beneath the golden ginkgo tree.

Amidst the heavy winter snow, Hachiko waits in the icy landscape.

Its body gradually aged, its fur turned gray, and its gait became unsteady.

But in its clear eyes, there always shone an undying hope and a firm belief in its master's return.

"Did...did it really wait for ten years?" an elderly committee member asked in a hoarse voice, his face already streaked with tears.

The sound of weeping rose and fell throughout the screening room.

Many committee members, including Hideaki Fujiwara, Asumi, Toshihide Takada, and even Eiji Kurosawa, were in tears.

They were deeply moved by Hachiko's unwavering loyalty that transcended life and death, and touched by his silent love.

Climax of the movie.

Hachiko was old and frail. He lay in a corner of Shibuya Station, his body weak, but his eyes still stubbornly stared at the station entrance.

It seemed to see that familiar figure in the crowd, smiling, walking towards it.

The professor is back.

Hachiko struggled to his feet, wagging his tail, and walked step by step toward the professor.

It fell.

In its dream, it reunited with the professor.

The scene depicts Hachiko and the professor's initial encounter at the train station. The professor crouches down and hugs Hachiko tightly. The two, one human and one dog, smile at each other in the sunset.

Then, the image gradually blurred, and finally, it settled on the bronze statue in front of Shibuya Station, which symbolized Hachiko's loyalty.

The movie ends.

A deathly silence fell over the screening room.

Only the melodious yet sorrowful tune from the movie soundtrack slowly echoed in the air, lingering in everyone's ears.

Everyone stared blankly at the darkness on the screen, their bodies seemingly frozen in place by some kind of magic.

Tears had already blurred their vision.

They were deeply moved by Hachiko's story and touched by his unwavering loyalty that transcended life and death.

It wasn't until the staff outside the screening room gently pushed open the door and turned on the lights that everyone snapped out of their daze, jolting awake from their immense grief. They looked at each other, and in each other's eyes, they saw the same shock, the same emotion, and the same... tear stains.

Fujiwara Hideaki was the first to stand up, tears streaming down his face, but he didn't seem to care.

He simply raised his hand and clapped with trembling hands.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

Applause, like raindrops, filled the screening room.

Asumi, Toshihide Takada, Eiji Kurosawa, and all the censors stood up in unison and applauded towards the screen.

The applause grew louder and louder, like thunder, echoing throughout the entire screening room.

This applause is not only a praise for the film, but also a tribute to Hiroshi Nohara's talent, a salute to Hachiko's loyalty, and an ode to the pure affection between humans and dogs.

The applause lasted for a long time, so long that the air in the screening room seemed to be ignited by this enthusiastic emotion.

Many committee members still had red eyes and tear stains on their faces, but their eyes were filled with indescribable shock and fervor.

"It's...it's so touching!" An elderly female committee member, her voice thick with emotion, wiped away tears from the corners of her eyes and said excitedly, "I never imagined that a story about a dog could be filmed so...so movingly! It reminded me of my old dog who was with me for ten years; it was just as loyal and selfless..."

Her voice choked, and she could no longer speak. She simply covered her mouth and sobbed softly.

“Yes! I… I simply can’t believe that this movie was actually directed by Minister Nohara!” Another committee member, who looked to be around forty years old, was filled with shock. He excitedly waved the documents in his hand, as if trying to vent his emotions: “Seven Samurai is an epic, a grand narrative, a classic that deconstructs the times! But this Hachiko Monogatari, with the most unadorned shots and the most sincere emotions, strikes the softest spot in our hearts! This… this is true art!”

"Minister Nohara... he's simply a monster!" A young committee member's voice trembled slightly as he looked at the screen, his eyes filled with fervent admiration. "He can not only portray the loyalty of samurai, but also the loyalty of dogs! Moreover, he uses the loyalty of dogs to highlight the complexity and preciousness of human emotions. This... this concept is absolutely brilliant!"

"I used to think that using dogs to illustrate loyalty was an insult to the Bushido spirit of Japan." A conservative committee member, his eyes reddening, let out a long sigh, his tone filled with self-mockery: "Now it seems I was really... too narrow-minded. Minister Nohara is the one who truly understands the meaning of 'loyalty'! He used the purity of dogs to cleanse our hearts, which had been polluted by worldly concerns, and made us re-examine the most precious spirit of our nation!"

"Yes! This film is not only touching, but it also has profound social significance!" A scholar-type committee member from the cultural field adjusted his glasses, his voice tinged with excitement: "In today's materialistic and indifferent society, people are becoming increasingly alienated and lonely. But 'Hachiko Monogatari' awakens in us, through Hachiko's selfless love and waiting, a deep longing for warmth, connection, and loyalty within us!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his tone filled with anticipation: "I even believe that this film, like 'Super Transformation,' will once again spark a social movement! It will make more people rethink the relationships between people, the emotions between humans and animals, and how our nation should inherit and promote the spirit of 'loyalty' in modern society!"

“I completely agree!” Another senior censor exclaimed, his face beaming with approval. “Moreover, the filming techniques in this movie are textbook-worthy! Every shot is full of emotion, and every scene touches the heart! Especially Hachiko’s performance, it’s simply… simply a stroke of genius! I even wonder if Captain Nohara can really communicate with dogs, otherwise, how could he have produced such a soulful performance?!”

"This is no longer just simple directing ability, this is... this is artistic talent that transcends its time!"

"Yes! From 'Seven Samurai' to 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale,' Director Nohara has completely proven himself! He is not just a director of samurai films, but a versatile director who can handle any subject matter and create classic works!"

"An all-around director? No, he's an all-around artist! He's also a cartoonist! He's a variety show producer! He's a TV drama producer! He's simply a monster!"

"I even think that he is the one who can truly represent our Japanese culture and go global!"

Praises and exclamations poured in like a tidal wave, completely engulfing the entire screening room.

All the committee members were so excited that they were almost incoherent, vying to express their love for the film, their admiration for Hiroshi Nohara, and their boundless anticipation for its future.

Fujiwara Hideaki listened quietly to the whispers, his face still wet with tears, but his eyes were filled with relief and pride. He knew that Nohara Hiroshi had succeeded, and had succeeded again in a way that exceeded everyone's expectations.

He let out a long breath, as if that breath had carried away all the worries and pressure in his heart.

He slowly turned around, his gaze sweeping over the excited committee members behind him. Although his voice was slightly hoarse, it still carried an unquestionable authority.

"Alright, everyone," Fujiwara Hideaki said softly, his voice not loud, but instantly silencing all the noise. "I have heard your emotions and your praise. Now, please return to your offices and tally up your deliberations. I hope that this deliberation will be fair and impartial, without any bias."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the committee members suddenly jolted awake. They then remembered that their current identity was that of film censors, not ordinary audience members.

"Hi! Chief Fujiwara!"

All the committee members responded in unison, their voices filled with respect and obedience.

They bowed deeply to Hideaki Fujiwara once more, then walked out of the screening room with slightly unsteady steps.

Although their faces were still streaked with tears, their eyes were filled with an unprecedented determination and... fervor.

They knew that "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" would sweep away all doubts with an unparalleled force and become an immortal legend.

And they will personally open the door to this legend.

Inside the screening room, only Fujiwara Hideaki, Asumi, Takada Toshihide, Kurosawa Eiji, and Nohara Hiroshi, who was allowed to enter from outside after the screening, remained.

Fujiwara Hideaki watched the committee members leave in a hurry, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

There were no surprises this time.

He turned his head and looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with admiration and expectation.

“Hiroshi-kun, you’ve done very well.” Fujiwara Hideaki spoke softly, his tone filled with emotion: “You have once again exceeded my expectations. This film, ‘Hachi: A Dog’s Tale,’ is not just a movie; it is a work that touches the depths of the soul.”

He paused, his tone becoming earnest: "It made me rethink the definition of 'loyalty' and re-examine the emotions between humans and animals. It made me realize that sometimes, the purest love exists in the most inconspicuous places."

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Fujiwara." Hiroshi Nohara bowed humbly in return, his composure and calmness making him stand out in this setting.

"Alright, let's go back to the office." Fujiwara Hideaki said, then stood up first and walked calmly out of the screening room.

Asumi, Toshihide Takada, and Eiji Kurosawa followed closely behind.

Hiroshi Nohara walked at the back. He glanced back at the huge screen, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

He knew he had succeeded.

……

When they returned to Hideaki Fujiwara's office, the faint scent of sandalwood and tea in the air seemed to have become even stronger.

Fujiwara Hideaki sat in the main seat with a gentle smile on his face. His gaze swept over Asumi, Takada Toshihide, and Kurosawa Eiji before settling on Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes filled with appreciation and expectation.

"Hiroshi-kun, please sit down." Fujiwara Hideaki gestured for Nohara Hiroshi to sit down, his tone carrying a hint of friendliness.

Hiroshi Nohara sat down respectfully, knowing that the real "harvest" was about to begin.

"Lord Fujiwara, your comments on 'Hachiko: A Dog' in the screening room just now were truly admirable," Asumi said first, his face beaming with a bright smile and his tone full of sincerity. "You're right, this film truly touched the depths of the soul."

While Takada Toshihide wasn't as dramatic as Asumi, he nodded, a hint of barely perceptible emotion in his voice: "Yes, Mr. Fujiwara. This film has indeed made me...make me rethink many things."

Eiji Kurosawa didn't say much; he simply gazed calmly at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with admiration and pride.

Fujiwara Hideaki simply smiled and shook his head. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said with a touch of emotion, "This movie is truly excellent. It's not just Nohara-kun's personal success, but also a success for the Japanese film industry, and even... a success for all of us Japanese!"

He paused, his gaze fixed on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with expectation: "Hiroshi-kun, you've proven yourself once again with your work. You've proven that you can not only create grand epics, but also heartwarming stories that touch the soul. You've proven that you are a genius who can master any subject and create classic works!"

He had barely finished speaking when there was a gentle knock on the office door.

Commissioner Matsumoto pushed open the door and entered, holding a document in his hand, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement and respect.

"Director Fujiwara, the results of the committee members' deliberations have been tallied," Commissioner Matsumoto said respectfully, handing the documents to Fujiwara Hideaki, his voice trembling slightly. "All committee members unanimously approved! Not a single objection! In fact, several committee members have proposed that this film be named the best film of the year!"

"what?!"

Asumi, Takada Toshihide, and Kurosawa Eiji's eyes widened instantly, their faces filled with unbelievable ecstasy!
Although they had some expectations for the quality of "Hachiko Monogatari", they never expected it to receive such high praise!

It was unanimously approved! Not a single objection! Some even suggested it should be named Best Picture of the Year?!

This...this is simply an unprecedented honor!
To know.

This movie hasn't even been released yet!

Fujiwara Hideaki took the document, his gaze calmly sweeping over its contents, a satisfied smile unconsciously curving his lips.

This result was within his expectations.

He put down the document, turned his gaze to Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with admiration and expectation: "Hiroshi-kun, congratulations. Your 'Hachiko Monogatari' has officially passed the review."

"Thank you, Mr. Fujiwara!" Hiroshi Nohara bowed humbly in return, his composure and calmness making him stand out in this setting.

Asumi, Takada Toshihide, and Kurosawa Eiji looked at the committee members whose eyes were already red and swollen, and at this moment, they all showed a sentimental smile.

Hiroshi Nohara has created another miracle.

Eiji Kurosawa let out a long breath. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his tone carrying a hint of emotion, a hint of self-mockery, and a hint of sincere admiration for Hiroshi Nohara.

“Hiroshi-kun, you really… outshine us old guys.” Eiji Kurosawa said softly, his tone full of helplessness: “When Seven Samurai was released, I told everyone that this movie was made with your help, Hiroshi Nohara, and I was just your assistant. But no one believed me. They all said that I was promoting you and creating hype for you, this young man.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Asumi and Takada Toshihide, a wry smile appearing on his face: "Now it's all right, they've seen it all. You can not only portray the loyalty of a samurai, but also the loyalty of a dog. Moreover, you use the loyalty of a dog to highlight the complexity and preciousness of human emotions. This... this concept is simply brilliant!"

“I even think that your ‘Hachiko: A Dog’ is more touching and resonates more deeply with people than ‘Seven Samurai’!” Eiji Kurosawa said, letting out another long sigh, his tone filled with heartfelt admiration: “Hiroshi-kun, your talent is simply… unfathomable!”

Upon hearing this, Asuka's face lit up with a cheerful smile. He patted Kurosawa Eiji on the shoulder, his tone carrying just the right amount of teasing: "Director Kurosawa, now you know, right? I told you long ago, Hiroshi-kun is a genius! You shouldn't have listened to those old guys back then. You should have just openly admitted that you were his assistant!"

Although Takada Toshihide wasn't as overtly expressive as Asumi, he nodded at this moment, his tone carrying a subtle hint of emotion: "Yes, Director Kurosawa is right. Hiroshi Nohara's talent is truly astonishing. He can not only handle various subjects, but also use the most unique methods to move people's hearts and evoke social resonance."

He paused, then looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with expectation: "I even think that Hiroshi Nohara is the one who can truly represent our Japanese culture and go global!"

Seeing the three men's sincere admiration, Fujiwara Hideaki smiled with satisfaction. He knew that from this moment on, the divide between the "Tokyo faction" and the "Kanto faction" within the production department would be completely bridged in Nohara Hiroshi's hands.

Hiroshi Nohara will stand at the pinnacle of Japanese culture with an unparalleled presence.

The group exchanged smiles, a tacit understanding flowing silently in the air.

They knew that a brand new era, an era belonging to Hiroshi Nohara, had arrived with a bang!

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled, his composure and confidence making him stand out in this atmosphere filled with praise and anticipation.

But this also made everyone present even more satisfied with Hiroshi Nohara!

This is the new generation that has grown up in Japan in the new era!
"Our Japan truly has a bright future!" Fujiwara Hideaki looked at Nohara Hiroshi with increasing affection.

Think back to when he went abroad to study the United States, the peculiar smells that appeared in schools, the plants in the trash cans, and the students whose grades in basic subjects had seriously declined since the advocacy of happy education began.

Fujiwara Hideaki's hands trembled slightly with excitement: "Although we Japanese have been defeated on the real battlefield, we will definitely be victors in the economic and cultural fields!"

Thinking about this, Hideaki Fujiwara also thought about how his child had recently invested in a large apartment.

A smug smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

The neon economy is taking off.

Culture is taking off.

just now.

What a great era for Japan!
(End of this chapter)