I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 185 Governor Koike's Questions! Affirmation from Public Relations Minister Hattori Tadashi!

A black Toyota minivan cruised smoothly through the bustling streets of Tokyo. Outside the window, the city was incredibly vibrant, yet the sights seemed unable to penetrate the deep silence within the vehicle.

Hiroshi Nohara, Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada sat quietly in the car. No one spoke; only the soft rumble of the engine and their rising and falling breaths echoed in the enclosed space.

Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada, in particular, still had a flush on their faces and their eyes were slightly red after leaving the building of the Japan Film Ethics Management Committee. They were clearly still immersed in the huge emotional impact brought by "Hachiko Monogatari".

Deputy Director Mingrihai, who is usually cheerful and talkative, was now just leaning back in his chair, gazing out the window with a deep look in his eyes, as if he could still see the lonely yet persistent figure of Hachiko on the screen.

His heart, which had long been hardened by the pursuit of fame and fortune, was now shattered by that pure loyalty, and then filled again with a warm yet sorrowful emotion.

Director Eiji Kurosawa closed his eyes tightly. His weathered face was still wet with tears, but his brows conveyed an indescribable heaviness and emotion.

The scenes from the movie kept replaying in his mind: Hachiko's waiting, the professor's kindness, and that bond that transcended life and death, which brought his understanding of the art of film to a new level.

Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada, a leader of the "Tokyo faction" known for his calm and self-possessed demeanor, was now silently bowing his head, his hands clenched into fists and placed on his knees.

His usually gloomy face now wore only a complex and heavy expression.

He never imagined that a movie about dogs could make this old man cry like a child.

That profound shock gave him a new appreciation for Hiroshi Nohara's talent.

Hiroshi Nohara, the film's creator, simply sat calmly in the passenger seat, gazing out the window with a deep look in his eyes.

This film is not only touching, but also a responsibility, a commitment to culture and humanity.

Especially for the Japanese, whose personalities are rather cold and whose expressions of affection are somewhat peculiar, this is absolutely a level of real hurt!

The deep silence inside the car was only broken when the vehicle entered the underground parking lot of the TV Tokyo production office building and the engine was turned off.

No one spoke; they simply got out of the car silently and walked with slightly heavy steps toward the elevator.

When they arrived at the seventeenth floor of the production bureau and stepped into their own independent kingdom, the atmosphere in the entire department became somewhat heavy because of their arrival.

Kei Tanaka, Takeshi Yamamoto, and Ichiro Hashimoto, three of Hiroshi Nohara's most capable lieutenants, were sitting at their respective desks, all looking somewhat tired.

Seeing the "distraught" appearance of Hiroshi Nohara and his group, they all subconsciously frowned, their eyes filled with worry.

"What happened?" Tanaka Kei pursed his lips. "Could it be... that we failed?"

Yamamoto Takeshi was stunned: "Impossible, right? Asano and the others said it was very good. Could it be that Eirin... really can't express loyalty through a pet dog?"

Hashiichiro frowned: "I don't believe Captain Nohara will lose!"

But just then, a figure appeared in the corridor outside.

"Hiroshi, what's wrong with you all?" Director Nobuhiko Sakata's voice suddenly came from the office doorway, carrying a hint of anxiety and worry.

He had just returned from outside and was heading to his office when he happened to see Hiroshi Nohara and his group looking like this.

He abruptly stopped, his gaze sweeping over the four men. A barely perceptible hint of tension flashed in his shrewd eyes: "You...you went to submit it for review, did something go wrong? Did the review fail?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the office instantly became even more tense.

All eyes turned to Hiroshi Nohara and his group, their eyes filled with confusion and unease.

After all, Director Sakata's words undoubtedly resonated with everyone.

The movie "Hachiko Monogatari" is a work that even Tokyo Governor Ryuichi Koike personally praised, and even the Minister of Public Relations has high hopes for it.

If the film fails to pass censorship, it will not only be a problem with the film project, but also a failure of a political mission and a huge loss for TV Tokyo!
"This is no small matter!" Nobuhiko Sakata's face instantly darkened. He gripped his briefcase tightly, his tone filled with undeniable authority: "This is a film that Governor Koike specifically praised and promoted. It must be made well! This is no longer an ordinary film; it's a political mission!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Hiroshi Nohara and his group, his eyes filled with expectation and command: "So, if you encounter any difficulties, just tell me! Everyone, give it your all and make sure we make the best possible 'Hachiko Monogatari' movie! There can be absolutely no mistakes!"

Nobuhiko Sakata's words were like a thunderclap, instantly creating a deafening roar in the office!

Everyone stared blankly at Director Sakata, their faces filled with shock and fear.

Only then did they realize that the movie "Hachiko Monogatari" had actually risen to the level of a "political task"!

Hiroshi Nohara couldn't help but chuckle at the anxious yet dignified look on Chief Sakata's face.

He knew that Director Sakata was genuinely worried.

He was about to explain when Deputy Director Ming Rihai beat him to it.

"Hahahaha! Director Sakata! What are you saying!" Deputy Director Asumi was the first to recover, her tone filled with barely suppressed excitement and pride: "You really... underestimate Hiroshi-kun!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the office, his tone becoming impassioned: "The movie 'Hachiko Monogatari' not just passed censorship! It... it passed unanimously! Not a single objection! In fact, even Mr. Fujiwara and the censors proposed that this movie be named the best film of the year!"

"what?!"

Nobuhiko Sakata's body trembled violently, his shrewd eyes widened instantly, and his face was filled with disbelief and horror!

He stared blankly at Asumi, his eyes filled with confusion and shock.

"What did you say?!" he asked instinctively, his voice trembling slightly. "Unanimously approved?! Best Film of the Year?!"

"Yes! Director Sakata!" Director Eiji Kurosawa also came to his senses at this moment, his weathered face now radiating an unbelievable joy for his age: "You really... underestimate Hiroshi-kun! This time, he has created another miracle! A miracle that is enough to shock the entire Japanese film industry!"

"Director Kurosawa is right!" Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada, having recovered from his initial shock, now wore a complex expression that transformed into heartfelt praise: "Director Sakata, you have no idea, this film...it's simply a masterpiece! With the simplest of shots and the most genuine emotions, it strikes right at the softest part of our hearts! It made us old folks cry buckets!"

He paused, then looked at Hiroshi Nohara with eyes full of respect: "Director Sakata, I even think that Hiroshi Nohara's 'Hachiko Monogatari' is more touching and resonates more deeply with people than 'Seven Samurai'!"

"More moving than Seven Samurai? More touching to the heart!?"

As Nobuhiko Sakata listened to the three men's descriptions, the shock and confusion on his face were gradually replaced by an indescribable ecstasy.

Looking at Hiroshi Nohara's young and confident face, and at the excited and incoherent expressions of Asumi, Eiji Kurosawa, and Toshihide Takada, all his worries and pressures vanished in that instant.

He knew that Hiroshi Nohara had succeeded, and in a way that exceeded everyone's expectations, he had succeeded once again.

"Is...is it really that good?" Nobuhiko Sakata's voice trembled slightly as he looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with inquiry and curiosity.

Although he was captivated by Hiroshi Nohara's talent, he also knew that talent is limited.

For many veteran filmmakers, shooting films across different genres is undoubtedly a challenge.

He wasn't sure either, since Hiroshi Nohara had only ever directed samurai films before. He was really wondering if he could handle this kind of heartwarming pet movie.

But now, looking at the heartfelt admiration of the three deputy directors and the first-class director, he knew that Hiroshi Nohara had once again exceeded his expectations.

"Director Sakata, you have no idea!" Asumi exclaimed excitedly again, "This movie is not only touching! It also has profound social significance! With Hachiko's selfless love and waiting, it awakens in us the deepest longing for warmth, family, and loyalty!"

"It makes us rethink the definition of 'loyalty' and re-examine the emotions between humans and animals!" Eiji Kurosawa also sincerely admired it: "Director Sakata, I even think 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!"

"Director Kurosawa is right!" Takada Toshihide nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes filled with respect: "Director Sakata, Nohara Hiroshi's talent has surpassed all of our imaginations. 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 simply brilliant!"

He paused, a hint of emotion in his voice: "I even think that Hiroshi Nohara is the one who can truly represent our Japanese culture and take it to the world!"

As Nobuhiko Sakata listened to the three men's explanations and looked at Hiroshi Nohara's calm and confident face, all his doubts vanished.

These three individuals' discernment is undoubtedly excellent.

Asumi and Toshihide Takada are both deputy directors of the production department, so their professional level is quite high.

Eiji Kurosawa is a first-class director. Although he focuses on period samurai films, his appreciation of film is absolutely top-notch in the industry.

Now, they all unanimously say that Hiroshi Nohara's filming was good, and even that Hideaki Fujiwara and the censors gave it extremely high praise, which surprised Nobuhiko Sakata immensely!

He slapped his thigh suddenly, a look of regret on his face: "Oh dear! What a pity! If it weren't for the promotional meetings in Tokyo that required my attendance, I would definitely have gone to see the finished film today!"

His words were met with a burst of good-natured laughter in the office.

Everyone watched as Director Sakata's frustrated expression broke into a happy smile. They knew that Director Sakata's words were not only an affirmation of Hiroshi Nohara, but also an encouragement to the entire production team.

Looking at Nobuhiko Sakata's frustrated yet delighted expression, Hiroshi Nohara couldn't help but smile slightly.

From this moment on, his position at TV Tokyo was completely secured. And the "Dai Tokyo TV" faction he founded would stand at the pinnacle of the Japanese television industry in an unprecedented manner.

"Director Sakata, please rest assured," Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm yet firm. "This movie will be released soon. Then, you will be able to experience its charm for yourself in the cinema."

"Good! Good! Good!" Nobuhiko Sakata nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with a happy smile. "Hiroshi-kun, you did a great job! You've created another miracle for TV Tokyo!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his tone filled with expectation: "So, everyone, you all need to pull yourselves together! The promotional work for 'Hachiko Monogatari' must be done to the best of your ability! We want this film to not only shine brightly in Japan, but also to reach the world and influence the world!"

"Hi! Chief Sakata!"

Everyone responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit and passion.

……

In the building of the Japan Film Ethics Management Committee, the emotional impact of "Hachiko Monogatari" on Hideaki Fujiwara's face had not yet completely faded.

He picked up the landline on the table and dialed a number.

"Hello, Minister? This is Hideaki Fujiwara." His voice carried a hint of barely perceptible excitement, yet maintained just the right amount of respect.

A calm and powerful voice came from the other end of the phone: "Oh? It's Mr. Hideaki. Is there something you need to report on regarding the film censorship at this hour?"

"Hi, Minister." Hideaki Fujiwara replied respectfully, "The review of 'Hachiko Monogatari' has been completed. I just personally reviewed the film, and it received unanimous approval within the committee."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

His Excellency the Minister of Public Relations is currently inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. He has just finished a meeting regarding the work plan for the new year and is preparing to process some documents.

Upon hearing Fujiwara Hideaki's report, a faint smile couldn't help but appear on his usually serious face. "Oh? Unanimously approved?" the Public Relations Minister repeated softly, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "It seems Nohara-kun's work is indeed quite good. However, Hideaki-kun, I recall the filming period for this movie was rather short, wasn't it? It's finished so quickly; regarding the quality… can you be sure there wasn't the slightest bit of carelessness?"

Although he had heard of Hiroshi Nohara's talent, he still had doubts about how a film could be completed in such a short time.

After all, the quality of a movie is no joke.

Upon hearing this, Fujiwara Hideaki smiled confidently. He knew the minister's concerns, and he also knew that this was the best opportunity for him to vindicate Hiroshi Nohara and "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale".

"Your Excellency, please rest assured!" Fujiwara Hideaki's tone was firm, even carrying a hint of unquestionable certainty: "I guarantee with my own integrity that there are absolutely no problems with the quality of this film! In fact, it's even more perfect than I expected!"

He paused, his tone becoming more impassioned, and began to describe every aspect of the film in detail: "Every shot is full of emotion, every scene touches the heart. Hachiko's loyalty, the professor's kindness, the changing seasons at Shibuya Station... all of these are perfectly presented by Nohara-kun with the most delicate techniques!"

"Especially Hachiko's performance, it was simply... simply a stroke of genius! I even suspect that Nohara-kun can really communicate with dogs, otherwise, how could he have filmed such a spiritually resonant performance?! And the music, every melody blends perfectly with the visuals, pushing the audience's emotions to one climax after another!"

"Most importantly, the theme of this film is also brilliant!"

Hideaki Fujiwara's voice trembled slightly, a resonance triggered by the immense emotional impact of the film: "It uses the loyalty of dogs to highlight the complexity and preciousness of human emotions, awakening our deepest longings for warmth, connection, and loyalty! It's not just touching; it has profound social significance!"

On the other end of the phone, the Minister of Publicity listened quietly to Hideaki Fujiwara's report.

He had never heard Hideaki Fujiwara give such high praise to a film before, and his voice even trembled slightly.

He knew that Fujiwara Hideaki was not someone who would be easily swayed by emotions.

The fact that it could excite him so much means that the quality of this film must be extraordinary.

"Hmm, very good." The Minister of Propaganda nodded slowly, a satisfied smile on his face.

He paused, his tone becoming serious: "Hideaki-kun, I understand what you're saying. However, you must also remember that this film is not just an ordinary film. It's a work that Governor Koike personally praised, and in fact, Governor Koike plans to use the popularity of 'Seven Samurai' and Hiroshi Nohara to boost his chances of being re-elected as Governor of Tokyo this year!"

"Therefore, this film absolutely cannot have any mistakes or mishaps! This is a political mission! Do you understand?!" The Minister of Propaganda spoke in a serious tone, every word carrying authority.

Fujiwara Hideaki felt a slight chill run down his spine upon hearing this. He understood the meaning behind the minister's words and the immense political significance this film carried.

"Yes, Minister! Please rest assured!" Fujiwara Hideaki replied firmly, his tone resolute. "I guarantee with my own integrity that this film will absolutely have no problems! Moreover, I can even assert that 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' will definitely become the top-grossing film this year!"

There was silence for a few seconds on the other end of the phone.

The Minister of Public Relations was clearly surprised by Hideaki Fujiwara's assertive tone.

In the political arena of Japan, no one would easily express such a definite opinion, because it represents a "guarantee," a huge risk of betting one's personal reputation and political future on a project.

"Oh? Hideaki-kun, you're so sure?" the Minister of Public Relations asked softly. "You even dare to predict that it will become the top-grossing film this year? How does it compare to 'Seven Samurai'?"

Upon hearing this, Fujiwara Hideaki smiled confidently.

This is the Minister testing him, and also giving him an opportunity to demonstrate his accurate judgment of the film and the market.

“Your Excellency, these two films are completely different genres.” Fujiwara Hideaki spoke calmly and logically: “Seven Samurai is a grand epic, a classic that deconstructs the era, human nature, and class. It is awe-inspiring and thought-provoking, but its audience may be more inclined towards male viewers and people with a high interest in history and culture.”

"And what about 'Hachiko: A Dog'?"

He paused, his tone softening yet still powerful: "It's a heartwarming and tear-jerking film. It uses the pure loyalty of dogs to strike the softest spot in our hearts. Its audience will be even wider, especially young people and female viewers, who will definitely resonate strongly with it!"

"So, if we have to compare them, they're basically neck and neck. But in terms of market potential, I even think that 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' might have a stronger box office impact! Because it can reach a wider audience and evoke a more universal emotional resonance!"

"and……"

Fujiwara Hideaki said earnestly, "If Governor Koike can cooperate with the promotion and personally endorse the film, then the feedback this film will receive will be beyond everyone's imagination! It will not only be a movie, but will also become a phenomenon, a cultural symbol that can unite national sentiment and showcase the spirit of Japan!"

As the Minister of Publicity listened to Hideaki Fujiwara's analysis, the surprise on his face became even more obvious.

Fujiwara Hideaki's words were not only an accurate assessment of the film, but also a profound insight into politics and human nature.

He never imagined that Hideaki Fujiwara could analyze the political value and market potential of a film so thoroughly.

"Mr. Hideaki, you...you have truly impressed me today." The Minister of Propaganda exclaimed softly, his tone full of admiration: "You are able to give such a definite judgment on a film, which is extremely rare in the political arena."

Fujiwara Hideaki's assertive statement was more than just a work report; it tightly linked his political credibility with the success or failure of the film.

This undoubtedly sends a "signal" to him—Hideaki Fujiwara has absolute confidence in this film and in Hiroshi Nohara.

“Very good, Mr. Hideaki.” The Minister of Public Relations nodded in satisfaction, his tone full of encouragement: “Since you are so sure, then I am relieved. You have done a great job. I look forward to your performance.”

He paused, gave a few more instructions, and then hung up the phone.

After hanging up the phone, the Minister of Publicity did not hesitate for a moment. He picked up his briefcase and left the office with composed steps.

He knew that now he needed to see Governor Koike.

Because, right there in a small conference room inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, Governor Koike was discussing his work for the year with several ministers he was on good terms with and the head of the government office.

When His Excellency the Minister of Publicity opened the meeting room door, the exchange inside was just coming to an end.

Governor Koike listened with a smile as an economics minister reported on Tokyo's economic prospects for the year.

Upon seeing the Minister of Public Relations enter, Governor Koike paused slightly, then a faint smile appeared on her face: "Oh? My dear Minister of Public Relations is here. Do you have any good news to share?"

"Hi, Governor!" the Minister of Public Relations replied respectfully. He strode up to Governor Koike, his voice brimming with barely concealed excitement: "I just received a report from Hideaki Fujiwara that the film 'Hachiko Monogatari' has passed the censorship unanimously! Moreover, Fujiwara-kun has given the film extremely high praise, even predicting that it will definitely become the top-grossing film this year!"

He paused, his tone becoming even more impassioned: "Moreover, this film is not just touching! It has profound social significance! Through Hachiko's selfless love and waiting, it awakens in us a deep longing for warmth, connection, and loyalty! It will have an extremely positive propaganda effect on the people of Tokyo and on the nation of Japan!"

His words, Minister of Propaganda, were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, instantly creating a deafening roar in the conference room!

However, the expected shock and surprise did not occur.

Everyone present, including Governor Koike, subconsciously frowned.

Their faces showed no joy, but rather confusion and bewilderment, and even a hint of... doubt.

"Minister of Publicity, are you...are you joking?" The head of the Political Affairs Agency, with gray hair and a sharp suit, spoke first, his tone filled with barely suppressed skepticism: "To put such an important publicity campaign for the Tokyo governor's re-election into a movie? And a movie about dogs at that? This...this is just too reckless!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than another minister in charge of the economy chimed in, his face full of displeasure: "Yes, Minister of Publicity! You're usually so composed, how could you say something so absurd today? A movie, no matter how well made, is just a movie! How could it possibly affect the Governor's re-election? This is simply... far too childish!"

"Exactly! Minister of Publicity, have you been working too hard lately and your brain is starting to fog up?" A younger-looking minister couldn't help but snort, his face full of dissatisfaction: "You actually believe that a movie about dogs can have a good propaganda effect on the public? This is simply... simply ridiculous!"

The meeting room was immediately filled with various voices of doubt and criticism.

Everyone relentlessly and fiercely criticized the Minister of Propaganda's "absurd" remarks.

They believed it was utterly foolish to entrust such an important political task to a single film.

The Minister of Propaganda, seeing the crowd's excited and agitated expressions, instantly froze.

He wanted to defend himself, to explain, to tell everyone that this movie was truly different.

But at this moment, all words seemed to be stuck in his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word.

He felt a deep sense of powerlessness, a sense of injustice for being misunderstood by everyone.

He knew that these old guys simply didn't understand Hiroshi Nohara's talent, nor the immense power contained in "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale".

They only believe in traditional, conservative, and unchanging propaganda methods.

Just as the atmosphere in the meeting room was becoming increasingly tense and awkward, Governor Koike finally raised her hand.

His deep eyes calmly swept over everyone in the conference room, and his imposing presence instantly silenced all the noise.

"Alright, everyone quiet down." Governor Koike's voice was steady and powerful, yet carried a hint of barely perceptible indifference.

He ignored the ministers who were still whispering and instead slowly turned his gaze to the Minister of Public Relations, Hattori Tadashi.

His brow was furrowed, and the doubt and confusion on his face became even more obvious at this moment.

“Minister Hattori Tadashi,” Governor Koike said softly, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. “I heard what you just said. But I hope you can give me a more detailed and convincing explanation.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the conference room before settling again on the propaganda minister known as Hattori Tadashi, his eyes filled with a deep, probing look: "Do you really think that relying on a movie to promote the Tokyo governor's re-election is... too reckless?"

Governor Koike's words undoubtedly showed everyone that he shared the same views as the other ministers present.

He also thought that the propaganda minister, Hattori Tadashi, was too reckless.

Publicity Minister Hattori Tadashi looked into Governor Koike's calm yet profound eyes and felt a sudden tremor in his heart.

He knew this was his last chance.

He had to use the clearest logic and the most moving language to persuade Governor Koike and everyone present.

He took a deep breath and transformed all the grievances and resentment in his heart into a firm response.

“Yes, Governor!” Hattori Tadashi replied emphatically, his tone firm, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light: “I understand everyone’s concerns. However, I still stand by my opinion.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the conference room, his tone becoming more impassioned. His composure and confidence made him stand out: "Ladies and gentlemen, we live in an era of simple information exchange, but also an era of emotional scarcity. Traditional propaganda methods are becoming increasingly ineffective in moving people's hearts."

"Hachiko Monogatari, a dog's tale, is not just a movie; it is a vessel of emotion and a spiritual refuge!"

Hattori Tadashi knew that what he had to do was not only to vindicate "Hachiko Monogatari," but also to win the recognition and support of the highest authorities for Hiroshi Nohara and the new cultural force he represented.

This will be Hattori Tadashi's most important "battle" as the Minister of Public Relations!
He wants to use his wisdom, his eloquence, and his vision to change everyone's opinion.

After all, Hattori Tadashi believed what Fujiwara Hideaki said.

I also have faith in TV Tokyo, in my own team, my own foundation, and in this biggest support behind me!

PS: Keep asking for votes~
(End of this chapter)