I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 186 A Billion Yen Box Office Assessment! Hiroshi Nohara's Reminder on Internet Traffic and Fandom!

Soon, another month passed. Although the cherry blossoms in Tokyo had not yet bloomed, the signs of spring were already quietly emerging on the branches.

In this vibrant city, Hiroshi Nohara's independent production team's various programs were launched as scheduled, once again creating waves in the Japanese archipelago.

Hiroshi Nohara sat in his office, a teacup in front of him emitting a faint steam. He looked out the window at the city skyline, bathed in the golden light of the spring sun, his gaze deep and composed.

"minister!"

The office door was pushed open, and Tanaka Kei, the head of the Variety Show Production Division of Hiroshi Nohara's Special Production Department, was beaming with barely suppressed excitement. He practically ran in, waving a document in his hand like a child who had just received candy.

Following closely behind was Takeshi Yamamoto, the head of the drama production department. Although his steps were steady, his eyes also shone with excitement.

Hashimoto Ichiro, the last to enter, was the head of the animation production department. He seemed to have a complex expression on his face, with a hint of indescribable emotion, but more than anything, he showed respect for Hiroshi Nohara.

The three approached Hiroshi Nohara and bowed in unison.

"minister!"

"Yes, please have a seat." Hiroshi Nohara smiled and gestured. His gaze swept over the three of them, and his composed demeanor seemed to envelop the entire office in an invisible force.

Tanaka Kei sat down first, eagerly pushing the documents in his hand in front of Nohara Hiroshi, his voice trembling slightly with extreme excitement: "Minister! 'Super Transformation Season 3'! It's online! The ratings... the ratings have reached 43%!"

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his overwhelming joy, his eyes filled with fervent admiration: "43%! Minister! This number is even higher than at the beginning of the second episode! We can even foresee that this episode of 'Super Transformation' will once again sweep across Japan and become a national-level variety show!"

Takeshi Yamamoto sat down as well, and took over the conversation with a hint of pride in his voice: "Minister, the viewership rating for 'Tales of the Unusual Season 3' has reached 26%! Although it's not as high as 'Super Transformation,' this number is still far ahead of other dramas airing at the same time! Moreover, we've received countless feedback from viewers who say that the story of the third season is more exciting, more mind-bending, and more addictive than the first two seasons!"

He paused, a smug smile appearing on his face:

"Especially the first episode of the third season, the story about the 'time loop' sparked a discussion all over Japan! Many viewers were discussing the ending of the story on social media, and some even wrote articles to analyze the philosophical implications of the story! Minister, you are really... amazing!"

Hashimoto Shichiro remained silent. He picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, and found that the bitterness was nothing compared to the feeling in his heart at that moment.

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara with a complex smile on his face: "Minister, the viewership ratings for 'Yamishibai Season 6' have remained stable at around 15%. While this number isn't particularly outstanding among your works, it's an extremely rare achievement for a late-night horror anime."

He let out a long sigh, his voice filled with emotion: "Moreover, we have received many letters from young viewers who say that 'Yamishibai' has become an indispensable part of their lives. It is not just a horror anime, but a unique cultural symbol, a special existence that represents their youthful memories."

"We've even received copyright purchase offers from overseas! Several Southeast Asian TV stations have shown great interest in 'Yamishibai' and hope to import our animation to broadcast in their countries!" Hashiichiro said, a proud smile appearing on his face: "Minister, you are truly... amazing! You actually managed to take a late-night horror anime and make it this good!"

Hiroshi Nohara listened quietly to the three men's reports, a faint smile always on his face. He knew that these achievements were not only the result of the efforts of the three section chiefs, but also the result of the joint efforts of the entire Independent Production Department, and even the entire TV Tokyo.

"Good job, everyone did a great job." Hiroshi Nohara commented softly, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, his eyes full of encouragement: "Whether it's the national popularity of 'Super Transformation,' the mind-bending suspense of 'Tales of the Unusual,' or the overseas expansion of 'Yamishibai,' they have all proven our strength. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts, and I am proud of you."

His words, like a spring breeze, swept over the hearts of the three, instantly nourishing their weary souls with a warm current.

"Thank you for the compliment, Minister!" the three responded in unison, their voices filled with respect and obedience.

However, Hiroshi Nohara's gaze fell on Kei Tanaka again, his eyes carrying just the right amount of "curiosity": "Section Chief Tanaka, I remember the finale of the second season of 'Super Transformation' aired during the Lunar New Year, right? I was busy filming 'Seven Samurai' and 'Hachiko Monogatari' at the time, so I missed it. How were the ratings for that finale?"

Upon hearing this, Tanaka Kei, who was still immersed in joy, froze his excited smile instantly.

He glanced at Takeshi Yamamoto and Ichiro Hashimoto beside him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

A slightly awkward smile appeared on the faces of Takeshi Yamamoto and Ichiro Hashimoto. They exchanged a glance, both seeing the same predicament in each other's eyes.

Hiroshi Nohara found it amusing to see the three of them looking hesitant and unsure of what to say. He knew there must be some "secret" hidden behind it all.

"What? Did the ratings for that finale really go badly?" Hiroshi Nohara asked deliberately, his tone carrying just the right amount of "doubt."

"No! No! No!" Tanaka Kei shook his head violently. His usually straightforward face was now filled with barely suppressed pride, even with a hint of mystery: "Captain! That final, the ratings were not bad at all, on the contrary... on the contrary, they created a miracle that is worthy of being recorded in the history of Japanese television!"

"Oh?" Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow, his eyes revealing keen interest.

"Minister!" Tanaka Kei took a deep breath, glanced at Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashiichiro beside him, and then, in an almost reverent tone, slowly uttered the number: "The viewership rating for the finale of 'Super Transformation Season 2' reached... 47%!"

"47%?!"

Hiroshi Nohara shuddered, his clear eyes widening instantly, his face filled with disbelief and horror!

He stared blankly at Kei Tanaka, his eyes filled with shock.

47%! This number means that almost half of the Japanese population is watching the show!
This is simply...outrageous!
He knew that the show "Super Transformation" already had nationwide popularity. But a 47% viewership rating wasn't just ordinary "nationwide popularity," it was practically... a god-level viewership rating!

This means that nearly half of all Japanese people who turn on their TV dramas watch this show!

"Yes, Minister!" Tanaka Kei jumped to his feet excitedly, even waving his fist, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement: "47%! That number almost... almost surpassed the Kohaku Uta Gassen!"

"The Red and White Song Battle?" Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

Of course he knows about the Red and White Song Festival.

That's a national-level program in Japan, comparable to the Spring Festival Gala in China in the past. It airs every New Year's Eve and usually achieves a viewership rating of over 50%, or even higher.

It was a true "national carnival," a cultural event that brought the entire nation of Japan together!

The finale of "Super Transformation" was only 6% behind the ratings to catch up with the Red and White Song Battle?!
This is simply...unbelievable!
"Yes, Minister!" Yamamoto Takeshi also stood up, his usually arrogant face now filled with barely suppressed excitement: "The viewership ratings for the Kohaku Uta Gassen hover around 53% every year. But our 'Super Transformation' finale actually reached 47%! This... this is simply an unprecedented achievement!"

"We can even proudly say!" Hashimoto Ichiro also stood up, his usually honest face now beaming with joy beyond his years: "Our 'Super Transformation' has become the highest-rated variety show in Japanese television history, second only to the Kohaku Uta Gassen! It has become a brand new symbol that can represent our Japanese culture and go global!"

The atmosphere in the office instantly became lively.

The three looked at Hiroshi Nohara with eyes filled with fervent admiration and respect.

They knew that all of this was thanks to Hiroshi Nohara.

It was he who created this miracle.

It was he who propelled the show "Super Transformation" to unprecedented heights.

"Minister Hiroshi! You're amazing!"

Just then, a burst of cheers filled with surprise and excitement came from the office doorway.

Kitagawa Yao, Minami Hoshi, and Hasegawa Shizuka, the three young employees who were the first to follow Hiroshi Nohara, were standing at the office door, their faces filled with barely suppressed fervor and excitement.

"Minister! That's it! The viewership rating for the 'Super Transformation' finale reached 47%!" Kitagawa Yao was so excited that her body trembled slightly, and stars seemed to appear in her bright, sparkling eyes.

“Yes, Minister! I was on duty at TV Tokyo during the New Year, keeping a close eye on the ratings! When the numbers came out, all of us on duty hugged each other and cried with excitement!” Minamimura Hoshiya chimed in, his young face still flushed.

"Minister! You have no idea how sensational it was back then!" Hasegawa said excitedly, even waving his pen with barely suppressed excitement: "Back then, all of Japan's social media was flooded with posts about the 'Super Transformation' finale! Everyone was discussing the show's creativity, the touching moments, and the tearful farewells!"

However, Hasegawa also said with a sheepish regret, "But then, Minister, your 'Seven Samurai' suddenly appeared, and the special media storm about the 'samurai' 'class' and 'era' completely suppressed the news."

"Minister! Although the controversy surrounding 'Super Transformation' only lasted a few days, I even saw some serious media outlets that usually only read the news report the grand finale of 'Super Transformation' for the first time ever! They all said that this program is not just entertainment, but also a connection between people, the warmth of family, and a stage for dreams!" Kitagawa Yao said, her voice choked with emotion. "Minister, you are truly... amazing! You created a program that can make all the people of Japan go crazy!"

"I also heard our senior colleagues at TV Tokyo banging on their desks in their offices! They all said that it was an honor and a source of pride for TV Tokyo to have a genius like Director Hiroshi!" Minamimura Seiya added excitedly, his young face filled with pride.

"Yes! Minister! You have no idea how many people were hoping you would continue to create more and better programs! They all said you were a true 'national producer'!" Hasegawa said excitedly, looking at Hiroshi Nohara with eyes full of fervent admiration: "Minister, you are really... amazing! You have become a role model for all of us young people!"

The office was immediately filled with praise and exclamations of amazement.

Everyone was stunned by the grand finale of "Super Transformation" and their eyes were filled with envy and admiration.

They knew that Hiroshi Nohara's success was not only his personal glory, but also the glory of the entire independent production department and even the entire TV Tokyo!

Looking at the group of excited, incoherent young people in front of him, Hiroshi Nohara's composure and confidence were gradually replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction.

He let out a long breath, a breath that carried a hint of emotion, a hint of regret, and also a hint of boundless anticipation for the future.

"Yes, it seems I really missed a lot during my Lunar New Year holiday," Hiroshi Nohara sighed softly, his tone carrying just the right amount of "regret."

However, there was not a trace of regret in the depths of his eyes.

On the contrary, a deep and knowing light shone in those clear eyes.

He knew that this 47% viewership rating was no accident.

This is not only due to the charm of the program itself, but also because it represents the huge benefits brought about by the first attempt in this era to explore a brand-new entertainment model – “traffic” and “fan circle”.

In his past life, he witnessed countless celebrities, programs, and even the entire industry rise to fame overnight and fall overnight amidst the frenzy of "traffic" and "fan circles".

They are like double-edged swords, capable of bringing both tremendous success and devastating backlash.

Now, the neon lights of this parallel world, like a child tasting forbidden fruit for the first time, are showing unprecedented enthusiasm for this new and powerful model.

“However, Section Chief Tanaka,” Hiroshi Nohara’s gaze fell on Kei Tanaka, and his tone suddenly became serious: “While the success of ‘Super Transformation’ makes us incredibly proud, we must also be soberly aware that this success also hides enormous risks.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Tanaka Kei, who was still immersed in joy, froze on his excited smile.

Yamamoto Takeshi, Hashiichiro, and a group of young employees including Kitagawa Yao also subconsciously suppressed their smiles, their eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment.

Looking at Hiroshi Nohara's serious face, they all felt a sense of doubt.

Risk? What risk? This is clearly an unprecedented success!
"Risk?" Tanaka Kei couldn't help but ask, his straightforward face full of confusion: "Minister, what do you mean by that? With such high ratings and such strong audience engagement for 'Super Transformation,' what risks could there be?"

Yamamoto Takeshi echoed, a puzzled expression on his face: "Yes, Captain. We're riding high right now, what could possibly make us uneasy?"

Hashiichiro remained silent, his brow furrowed as he stared intently at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with confusion.

Hiroshi Nohara sighed inwardly as he looked at their confused expressions.

He knew that in this era, it would indeed be difficult for them to understand the concepts of "traffic" and "fandom," as well as the potential "backlash" they might bring.

“You might not be familiar with the terms ‘traffic’ and ‘fandom,’” Hiroshi Nohara explained softly, his tone calm yet full of strength: “Simply put, ‘traffic’ refers to the huge amount of attention a work or a celebrity can attract in a short period of time. ‘Fandom,’ on the other hand, refers to a highly loyal fan group that spontaneously organizes itself because they like a particular work or a particular celebrity.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, a hint of warning in his eyes: "These two models can indeed bring huge success, just like our 'Super Transformation'. However, they are also like cooking oil over a raging fire; if not handled properly, they will backfire and bring devastating consequences."

"Backlash?" Upon hearing this, Tanaka Kei and the others were all filled with shock.

They never imagined that this seemingly powerful "success model" would actually bring about a "backlash."
“Yes, backlash.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone becoming more serious. “There are many types of backlash. Let me give you a few examples.”

He pondered for a moment, recalling the various chaotic phenomena of the entertainment industry in his previous life, and then, in a way more in line with the context of this era, slowly began to speak:
"First, there's the issue of overconsumption, leading to viewer fatigue." Hiroshi Nohara held up his first finger. "Think about it: if a show or a celebrity becomes too popular, they're constantly being invited to various programs, endorsed in advertisements, and featured in countless merchandise, appearing excessively in front of the audience. At first, the audience might feel surprised and excited. But what about after a while? Won't they get bored? Won't they feel that the show or the celebrity has lost its novelty and become cheap?"

"Just like a dish, no matter how delicious it is, if you eat it every day, at every meal, it will become tasteless and even nauseating. When the audience becomes aesthetically fatigued with a work or a star, then no matter how glorious it was in the past, it will eventually be abandoned by the market."

Upon hearing this, Tanaka Kei and the others all wore thoughtful expressions. Although they had never thought about this question before, upon careful consideration, they felt that what Nohara Hiroshi said made a lot of sense.

"Secondly, it's the excessive fanaticism of fans that leads to a backlash from public opinion." Hiroshi Nohara held up a second finger: "'Fans in the fandom' often have extremely high loyalty to their favorite works or celebrities. They will spare no effort to support them and will also defend them without mercy."

"However, this kind of protection, once it loses its rationality, can evolve into a terrible force. For example, when someone questions or criticizes their favorite works or celebrities, will these fans swarm back? Will they use all sorts of vicious language to attack those who express different opinions?"

"They might even worship their idols like gods, not allowing anyone to say a bad word about them. They believe that whatever they like must be the best and most perfect. Once this blind worship is seen by the outside world, won't it cause public resentment? Won't it make people feel that this 'fan circle,' this celebrity, has become irrational and terrifying?"

"When such fanatical fan behavior crosses the line of public acceptance, then no matter how popular the work or the star was, they will eventually be despised by the public."

Upon hearing this, both Takeshi Yamamoto and Ichiro Hashimoto were filled with shock and fear. They had never imagined that the "love" of their fans could become such a terrifying force.

"Thirdly, excessive capital intervention has led to a decline in the quality of works." Hiroshi Nohara held up his third finger: "When a work or a star has huge 'traffic' and 'fandom,' then capital will be attracted and flock to it."

"What is the purpose of capital? It is to make money. In order to maximize profits, they will constantly exploit works and stars. They will demand that programs keep producing sequels, demand that stars keep taking on various projects, and even change the style of the works and the image of the stars in order to cater to fans."

"As a result, the creation cycle of works is shortened, production costs are reduced, and stars' rest time is taken away. What is the end result? A decline in the quality of works, exhaustion of stars, and utter disappointment of the audience."

"When a work or a star loses its original intention and its soul in order to cater to capital, then no matter how glorious it was in the past, it will eventually be eliminated by the times."

At this moment, everyone in the office had lost all restraint and were staring blankly at Hiroshi Nohara, their faces filled with horror.

"Fourth, plagiarism and imitation lead to the depletion of original creative abilities." Hiroshi Nohara held up his fourth finger: "When a successful model appears, countless people will inevitably follow suit. In pursuit of short-term gains, they will constantly plagiarize and imitate."

"For example, if our show 'Super Transformation' becomes a hit, will other TV stations launch similar programs? If 'Tales of the Unusual' becomes a hit, will other TV stations produce similar urban legends?"

“At first, the audience may find it novel. But what about in the long run? When all the programs become the same and all the works lose their originality, then the entire industry will eventually fall into a quagmire of homogenization and the ability to create will be exhausted.”

"When an industry loses its original vitality, no matter how prosperous it once was, it will eventually decline."

Hiroshi Nohara's words struck the hearts of everyone present like a thunderclap.

They never imagined that the "success" they were enjoying now concealed such a huge "crisis".

They stared at Hiroshi Nohara's calm yet profound face, their eyes filled with fear and awe. "Minister... what you... what you're saying is... absolutely terrifying!" Kei Tanaka's voice trembled slightly, his usually straightforward face now etched with dread.

Yamamoto Takeshi, Hashiichiro, and a group of young employees including Kitagawa Yao stood there dumbfounded, all the joy on their faces gone, leaving only a deathly pale expression.

They never imagined that the "success" they pursued would bring such a terrible "backlash".

“Yes, it is indeed terrifying.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone calm yet full of strength: “But you don’t need to worry too much.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his eyes filled with confidence: "As long as our programs and our works can maintain high quality, keep innovating, and keep touching people's hearts, then no matter how powerful 'traffic' and 'fandom' are, they cannot turn against us!"

"Because, what ultimately determines whether a work or a star can stand the test of time is always the quality of the work itself, and the purest emotion and reflection it can bring to the audience!"

"So, everyone," Hiroshi Nohara's voice rose again, his composure and confidence making him shine brightly, "what we must do is strictly control every project, ensuring that every piece of work meets our highest standards. What we must do is continuously innovate, continuously break through, and continuously surpass ourselves!"

"What we want to achieve is to make our works not just entertainment, but also culture, art, and a great force that can influence an era and the spirit of a nation!"

His words resonated deeply.

Wow!
Thunderous applause erupted in the office.

Everyone was inspired by Hiroshi Nohara's passion and sense of responsibility; their eyes shone with the same light.

That fear and that unease were replaced at this moment by a completely new kind of hope and belief in the future.

"Hi! Minister Nohara!"

"We got it!"

"We will strictly control every project!"

"We will definitely continue to innovate and break through!"

"We are determined to make our works a great force that can influence the times!"

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

They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was right.

Only the quality of their works is their ultimate trump card for standing firm in this era.

Only through continuous innovation and breakthroughs can they stand firm amidst the frenzy of "traffic" and "fandom," and even rise against the tide!

Hiroshi Nohara looked at his group of motivated colleagues and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

As long as these people can listen to what I say, that's fine.

……

At this time, some people also mentioned that TV stations across Japan have indeed started producing programs similar to 'Urban Ghost Stories' and 'Super Transformation'.

Even many of TV Tokyo's own second- and third-level directors are carefully studying these programs.

“Minister, we’ve taken everything you just said to heart,” said Kei Tanaka first.

His straightforward face now carried a hint of seriousness: "However, now those TV stations outside have indeed started producing similar programs. Hokkaido TV's 'Midnight Ghost Stories,' Kyushu TV's 'Strange Stories Collection,' and even within our Tokyo TV, several directors are secretly studying the formats of 'Tales of the Unusual' and 'Super Transformation.'"

Hearing this, Yamamoto Takeshi couldn't help but sigh. His arrogance was replaced by helplessness: "Yes, Minister. Those guys are like sharks that have smelled blood. They want to dissect our program from beginning to end. They even poached a few of our production staff to help them produce similar programs."

"Is this... this what you mean by 'plagiarism'?" Hashiichiro asked, his honest face now filled with worry. "Won't they ruin our program by doing this?"

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his clear eyes remaining completely undisturbed.

This was exactly the challenge he had anticipated.

“There’s nothing strange about it,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm and firm. “When a successful model appears, countless people will inevitably follow suit. This is the law of the market, and it’s also human nature.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, a perfectly timed encouragement in his eyes: "However, this isn't all bad for us. It just shows that our work is successful and trendsetting. It also serves as a reminder that we can't rest on our laurels."

"So, that's what motivates us." Hiroshi Nohara's lips curled into a faint smile, his composure and confidence making him stand out. "What we need to do now is to innovate and bring forth new ideas."

He raised his hand and tapped the table lightly, his tone carrying an undeniable command: "I'll be giving everyone some more artwork soon, so you can continue creating. Whether it's a new episode of 'Super Transformation,' a new story in 'Tales of the Unusual,' or a new chapter in 'Yamishibai,' you all need to give me the best ideas and the best production!"

Upon hearing this, the three of them showed expressions of surprise and excitement. Hiroshi Nohara was both "pointing them in the right direction" and "putting pressure on them."

"Hi, Minister! We understand!" Tanaka Kei responded first, his straightforward face now filled with fighting spirit.

Takeshi Yamamoto and Ichiro Hashimoto nodded in agreement. They no longer had any doubts about Hiroshi Nohara's talent, and were filled with sincere admiration.

"Minister, you are truly... amazing!" Yamamoto Takeshi couldn't help but exclaim. His arrogance had completely vanished in front of Nohara Hiroshi at this moment: "You always manage to dig out the most profound philosophy from the most ordinary things, and you always manage to touch people's hearts and evoke social resonance in the most unique way!"

“Yes, Minister.” Hashimoto Ichiro echoed, his honest face now filled with emotion: “We always learn a lot from you. You are like a treasure trove, always bringing us surprises.”

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled and shook his head, his nonchalant demeanor suggesting that everything he did was merely a matter of course.

"Alright, section chiefs, you don't need to praise me like that." Hiroshi Nohara said with a light laugh, "My strength is limited after all. So, I hope that you can mobilize the wisdom of the section members and create some of your own ideas and concepts."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, his eyes filled with anticipation: "If they're good, I'll incorporate them into my sketches and photograph them. After all, brainstorming is the key to creating better works."

Upon hearing this, Tanaka Kei, Yamamoto Takeshi, and Hashiichiro exchanged glances and gave each other wry smiles.

Although they said, "Hey! We understand!" they knew very well that this matter was easier said than done.

As section chiefs, the three of them spent their days managing the department and racking their brains for creative ideas.

They have even brought out the full potential of all the intelligence and talent of the teachers in their classrooms.

However, when they pooled the abilities of all the staff to create a new chapter for "Yamishibai", a new story for "Tales of the Unusual", and new segments for "Super Transformation", they discovered just how difficult it was to produce.

They often argue endlessly, sometimes all night long, over an idea, a story, or a shot.

Even so, their works often fail to reach the "god-like" level of Hiroshi Nohara.

They could even sense that Hiroshi Nohara was able to create so many drawings all by himself, as if he had no limitations in his thinking, which felt increasingly frightening.

That endless stream of inspiration, that boundless imagination, that almost obsessive pursuit of perfection in their works left these "veterans" feeling a deep sense of powerlessness and...despair.

They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was not just a genius, he was a monster.

A monster powerful enough to change the entire Japanese cultural landscape.

They also knew that their only choice was to follow this monster closely, learn from him, assist him, and even become the sharpest "blade" in his hand.

"Alright, everyone." Hiroshi Nohara glanced at his watch, a hint of weariness on his face. "I need to go to Deputy Director Asumi's office to discuss the specific release date for 'Hachiko Monogatari'."

He stood up, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, his eyes filled with expectation: "So, you all need to keep up the good work. The future of TV Tokyo depends on you."

"Hi, Minister!" the three responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit and passion.

They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was right.

They must work hard.

Because only by working hard can we keep up with this monster.

Only through hard work can they find their place in this age of monsters.

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled and nodded, then walked out of the office with composed steps.

……

The office of Asumi, Deputy Director of the Production Department of TV Tokyo.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow.

Deputy Director Ming Rihai was sitting behind his desk, toying with a pen in his hand. His face, which was always full of cheerful smiles, was now somewhat solemn.

On the computer screen in front of him was a market analysis report on "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale".

The report prominently featured a sentence in bright red font: "Box office potential, expected to reach 10 billion yen!"

10 billion yen!

This number, like the most precise nuclear bomb, exploded in Asumi's heart in an instant!
He knew what this meant.

This means that "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" is not just a box office blockbuster, but an immortal legend that will be recorded in the history of Japanese cinema!
This means that Hiroshi Nohara, this young man who is only twenty-three years old, will create another miracle!
“Ten billion yen…” Asumi murmured to himself, his shrewd eyes flashing with disbelief and shock.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the overwhelming joy in his heart, and then he heard a soft knock on the office door.

"Please come in!" Asuka said in a deep voice.

Hiroshi Nohara pushed open the door and walked in. He saw Asumi's slightly serious expression and couldn't help but chuckle.

He knew that Tomorrow Sea must have seen the market analysis report on "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" at this moment.

"Hello, Deputy Director Asahi." Hiroshi Nohara greeted him with a smile. He walked to his desk, pulled out a chair, and sat down. His composure and calmness made him stand out in this setting.

Asumi suddenly raised his head, looking at Hiroshi Nohara's young and confident face with eyes full of inquiry and curiosity.

"Hiroshi-kun, you've arrived." Asumi spoke softly, her voice trembling slightly. "You...you've already seen that market analysis report about 'Hachiko: A Dog'?"

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his clear eyes remaining completely undisturbed.

"Yes, I saw it." Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone calm and firm: "Ten billion yen, that number is indeed very tempting."

"Tempting?!" Asumi's eyes widened instantly. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara's nonchalant expression and felt a surge of amusement.

Doesn't this kid know what 10 billion yen means for a Japanese domestic film?

That's the kind of box office success only Hollywood blockbusters can achieve!
"Hiroshi-kun, aren't you...aren't you excited?" Asumi couldn't help but ask, his usually cheerful face now filled with confusion.

Hiroshi Nohara simply shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his face.

“I’m definitely excited,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm and composed. “However, as you know, Deputy Director Asumi, I’m a producer who pursues the quality of my work. Box office is important, but the value of the work itself is the most important.”

He paused, his gaze lingering on the vast Tokyo Bay outside the window, his eyes deep: "Moreover, this film is not just touching; it has profound social significance. It can awaken our deepest longings for warmth, connection, and loyalty. It can make more people rethink the relationships between people and the emotions between humans and animals."

"Therefore, for me, its value has long surpassed the box office itself."

As Hiroshi Nohara spoke, the confusion on Asumi's face gradually faded.

Looking at Hiroshi Nohara's young and confident face, he felt a surge of genuine approval.

“Hiroshi-kun, you’re right.” Asumi sighed softly, his tone full of emotion: “Your vision and perspective are indeed far superior to those of us old folks.”

He paused, his gaze fixed on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with anticipation: "However, Hiroshi-kun, now that you've completed post-production for 'Hachiko Monogatari,' and the film has passed censorship unanimously, can we start discussing the film's release date?"

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara smiled with satisfaction. He knew that this was the real reason Asumi had sought him out today, and the true purpose of his visit.

“Of course, Deputy Director Asumi.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm but firm: “I came here today precisely to discuss this matter.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Asumi, a confident glint in his eyes: "I already have a preliminary plan in mind for the release date of 'Hachiko Monogatari.' I hope that this film can be presented to everyone at the most appropriate time."

Upon hearing this, Asumi's face lit up with interest. He knew that Hiroshi Nohara's "plan" was anything but ordinary.

"Oh? Hiroshi-kun, what are your plans? Tell me about them," Asumi pressed, her tone full of anticipation.

Hiroshi Nohara's lips curled into a faint smile, and his composure and confidence made him stand out at that moment.

He knew this plan would once again shock everyone.

He wants to use his wisdom, his vision, and his works to change the world and influence more people.

He wanted to make "Hachiko Monogatari" the second cornerstone for Hiroshi Nohara to reach the pinnacle of culture!

(End of this chapter)