I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 190: 21 billion in opening day box office! Beating Hollywood's box office! The celebration has begun!

The following day, Tokyo's entertainment industry was as if a depth charge had been dropped, shattering all calm and inertia in an instant and creating a massive upheaval.

Even newspapers that are usually known for their calm and objective reporting seemed to be swept up by the emotional torrent brought about by "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale," and reported on the film's success with the most eye-catching and sentimental headlines.

Tokyo Daily's Culture Headline: [Hachiko: A Tale of a Loyal Dog – A Hymn of Loyalty Transcending Life and Death, Questioning the Soul of the Japanese Nation!]

"Following Seven Samurai's grand epic that deconstructed the era and class, Hiroshi Nohara once again shocked Japan with a heartwarming masterpiece, Hachiko Monogatari. The film, through the story of an Akita dog's unwavering waiting for ten years, offers a fresh interpretation of the ancient samurai spirit of 'loyalty' against the backdrop of a modern city."

Film critic Kazuma Kitazawa praised: "Hiroshi Nohara's lens always penetrates the superficial and reaches the deepest part of the soul. He uses the purity of a dog to cleanse our hearts, polluted by worldly concerns, and makes us re-examine what true loyalty is. This is not merely an epic of animals, but also an allegory of humanity; it will leave an eternal mark on the river of time."

Yomiuri Shimbun editorial: [From Samurai Loyalty to Emperor Hachiko's Waiting: How Did Hiroshi Nohara Reshape the Symbol of 'Loyalty' in Japan?]

"In traditional Japanese culture, a samurai's loyalty to his lord is considered the highest virtue. However, in modern society, the definition of 'loyalty' has become increasingly blurred and even corrupted by self-interest. Hiroshi Nohara, the young man hailed as a 'cultural monster,' boldly projected this concept onto an Akita dog, sparking deep reflection on 'loyalty' throughout society."

Sociologist Professor Taro Yamada points out: 'Hachiko: A Dog's Tale by Hiroshi Nohara is not a subversion of the samurai spirit, but rather a more sophisticated inheritance. He uses the selflessness and purity of animals to highlight the complexity and preciousness of human emotions, skillfully guiding the public to elevate this loyalty from dependence on an individual to a steadfast commitment to family, society, and even the nation. His precise grasp of the national psychology is truly remarkable.'"

Asahi Shimbun Entertainment Section: [Tears and shock intertwine! "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" ignites a movie-going frenzy, resonating with the nation's emotions like never before!]

"Since the premiere of 'Hachiko Monogatari' yesterday, cinemas across the country have been packed, with countless viewers shedding tears in the theaters and lingering long after the film ended. The bond between Hachiko and the professor, and the waiting that transcends life and death, has deeply touched the hearts of every Japanese person."

Renowned relationship expert Hanako Watanabe commented: "Director Hiroshi Nohara has once again proven his extraordinary mastery of emotional narratives. Hachiko's ten-year wait in the film not only awakens our deepest longing for pure connection but also prompts us to reflect on the increasingly alienated relationships between people and between people and animals in modern society. This will undoubtedly be the warmest and most healing work in this indifferent era."

Weekly Bunshun Special Report: [Hachiko Monogatari: A film that can move even the hardest heart! Hiroshi Nohara's artistic magic!]

"The film censorship committee unanimously approved it, and Tokyo Governor Ryuichi Koike attended the premiere and was moved to tears, demonstrating the artistic appeal and emotional impact of 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale.' Several veteran film critics have even suggested that it be named the best film of the year. We have every reason to believe that this film will become the most tear-jerking and socially impactful work of the year."

Film critic Mimi Kimura points out: 'Hiroshi Nohara's talent needs no further explanation. He always manages to spark widespread discussion with the most unique perspective and the most precise entry point. From the epic scope of *Seven Samurai* to the heartwarming subtlety of *Hachi: A Dog's Tale*, each of his attempts has subverted our imagination and created new cultural symbols. He is the most dazzling star in the Japanese film industry, and indeed, in the entire Asian film industry!'"

……

Meanwhile, in the heart of Tokyo, inside an old but historic building, the editorial office of Eiga Junpo, Japan's most prestigious film review magazine, is bustling with activity.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee and ink.

But even stronger were the intense and respectful discussions sparked by "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale".

"My God! I can't believe my eyes!"

A senior editor, with gray hair and thick glasses, slammed the newspaper on the table, his voice trembling uncontrollably: "I've watched movies for thirty years and written film reviews for twenty, and I've never seen a film that made me cry so much and was so deeply moved as 'Hachiko Monogatari'!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over his colleagues. His once-cloudy eyes now shone with an unprecedented light: "I originally thought Hiroshi Nohara was lucky to make a samurai film, that he had the background of director Kurosawa. But now it seems I was so... narrow-minded! What he made wasn't just a pet movie; it was clearly an epic of humanity! An emotional nuclear bomb!"

"Tanaka-senpai is right!"

Another young editor, tears still streaming down his face, stood up excitedly, waving his pen, his voice filled with fervent admiration: "I was initially skeptical of this film, thinking that using dogs to depict loyalty was an insult to our Japanese Bushido spirit. But after watching it, I realized how incredibly foolish I was! Nohara-cho is the one who truly understands the meaning of 'loyalty'! He used the purity of dogs to cleanse our hearts, polluted by worldly concerns, and made us re-examine the most precious spirit of our nation!"

"Furthermore, have you noticed that the filming techniques used in this movie are simply textbook-level!"

An excited female editor said, her bright eyes still glistening with tears, “Every shot was full of emotion, every scene touched the heart! Especially Hachiko’s performance, it was simply… simply a stroke of genius! I even wonder if Nohara-sensei can really communicate with dogs, otherwise, how could he have filmed such a soulful performance?!”

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

An older commentator couldn't help but sigh, his usually serious face now streaked with tears: "From the grand narrative of 'Seven Samurai' to the tender and delicate 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale,' Hiroshi 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 more of an all-around artist!"

A young intern, his face flushed with excitement, couldn't help but pump his fist, his voice brimming with barely suppressed exhilaration: "He's a cartoonist! He's a variety show producer! He's a TV drama producer! He's a monster! A monster capable of changing the entire Japanese cultural landscape!"

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

Inside the editorial office, praise and exclamations poured in like a tidal wave, completely engulfing the space.

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

Looking at Hiroshi Nohara's excessively youthful face, his composure and confidence, and his unfathomable talent, these "veterans" who had spent half their lives in the film industry felt a deep sense of powerlessness and... terror.

"He's only twenty-three years old..." Senior Tanaka muttered to himself, a hint of indescribable fear flickering in his cloudy eyes: "Twenty-three years old, to be able to create such a work, to have such influence... this is simply... terrifying!"

He let out a long breath.

His tone carried a hint of emotion, a touch of self-deprecation, and also a genuine admiration for Hiroshi Nohara.

"Our Japan has truly produced... an unprecedented monster!"

……

In the office of Nohara Independent Production Department, Production Bureau of TV Tokyo.

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

Hiroshi Nohara sat behind his desk, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand. His gaze calmly swept across the city skyline outside the window, which was gilded by the spring sunshine, with a hint of a smile in his eyes.

He was waiting for good news, and indeed, good news arrived.

"Minister! Minister!"

The office door was pushed open, and Kitagawa Yao, the young employee who was one of Hiroshi Nohara's first followers, was beaming with barely suppressed excitement. She practically ran in, waving a stack of newspapers in her hand.

"Minister! Look! Look at these newspapers!"

Kitagawa Yao slammed the newspaper she was holding onto the desk with such excitement that it almost shattered the office windows: "It's all praising you, praising 'Hachiko: A Dog's Tale'! Everyone says you're a genius! You're a monster! You're the pride of Japan!"

She took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the overwhelming joy in her heart, her eyes filled with fervent admiration: "Minister! You are truly... amazing! You have created another miracle! A miracle that is enough to shock the entire nation!"

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly; he knew all of this was within his expectations.

"Oh? Is that so?" Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone carrying a perfectly timed tone.

"Yes, Minister! You have no idea, right now the whole of Tokyo is talking about 'Hachiko: A Dog'!"

Kitagawa Yao was so excited that her body trembled slightly, and her bright eyes sparkled: "On my way to work just now, I heard so many people talking about this movie! They all said that this movie made them cry buckets, but also made them feel warm inside and very moved!"

She paused, then her tone became even more excited: "I even got a call from my best friend! She used to have absolutely no interest in movies! But after watching 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale,' she was so moved that she cried for half an hour on the phone! She even said she wanted to take her whole family to the cinema to see it two, three times! She even said she wanted to raise an Akita Inu, just like Hachi, a smart and loyal Akita Inu!"

As Hiroshi Nohara listened to Yao Kitagawa's description, the calm smile on his face gradually became more genuine.

This is the feedback he most wants to hear.

"I'm glad everyone likes it." Hiroshi Nohara sighed softly, a smile in his voice. "As long as everyone likes it, then all our efforts are worthwhile."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Kitagawa Yao, a perfectly timed hint of curiosity in his eyes: "Kitagawa-kun, you just said that your best friend also wants to raise an Akita Inu?"

“Yes, Minister!” Kitagawa Yao nodded sharply, her face beaming with excitement. “She also said she’s going to give away all her cats and raise an Akita Inu instead! She said Akita Inus are so cute! And they’re so smart and loyal! They’re practically the perfect pets!”

She paused, her tone carrying just the right amount of "complaint": "Minister, you have no idea, right now many of my female colleagues in the office are talking about Akita dogs! They all say that after watching 'Hachiko Monogatari,' they became complete fans of Hachiko! They even said that if they could buy an Akita dog as silly and cute as Hachiko, they would rather not buy cosmetics or clothes!"

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara smiled with satisfaction.

His plan is already halfway to success.

"Oh? Is that so?" Hiroshi Nohara asked softly, his tone carrying just the right amount of probing: "If our Nohara Company were to start selling Akita dogs now, do you think people would like them?"

Upon hearing this, Kitagawa Yao's eyes lit up instantly. She excitedly stood up abruptly, her bright eyes sparkling with fervent light: "Of course I'll love it! Manager! You have no idea how many people are asking around about where to buy an Akita Inu! If Nohara Family Co., Ltd. can really sell them, there will definitely be a shortage!"

She paused, her tone filled with anticipation: "Minister, are you really planning to sell Akita dogs? That...that's wonderful! I'll definitely get my best friend and all my female colleagues to buy one! They'll be so happy!"

Looking at Kitagawa Yao's excited and incoherent appearance, Hiroshi Nohara couldn't help but smile slightly.

The market has been fully opened up.

What he needs to do is take advantage of this popularity and launch Nohara-ke Co., Ltd.'s Akita dogs into the market.

He reached out and gently touched his chin; his composure and confidence made him stand out.

"It seems it's time to launch my plan," Hiroshi Nohara muttered to himself.

He picked up the phone on his desk and dialed a number.

"Hello, is this your brother?" His voice carried a hint of barely perceptible relaxation, a relaxation unique to family.

The call came from Nohara Sashi's honest yet slightly excited voice: "Hiroshi, it's me. How are things going on your end? I heard your new movie, 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale,' is a huge hit? Even the TV news is talking about it!"

He paused, his voice tinged with barely suppressed excitement: "Hiroshi, you're amazing! Yesterday, Ikuna and I went to see your movie! We both cried buckets! Ikuna, in particular, cried even harder than me! She even said she wants to get an Akita Inu, a silly and adorable one like Hachiko!"

“Yes, brother, I’m glad everyone likes it.” Hiroshi Nohara smiled sincerely and replied softly, “I called you about this. Brother, you can start selling Akita dogs now.”

"Oh? Really?!" Nohara Sashi's voice rose eight octaves instantly, his tone filled with unbelievable elation: "Hiroshi! You...you really plan to sell Akita dogs?! Then...how will you set the price? We currently have nearly two thousand Akita dogs at our breeding base!"

He paused, his tone tinged with worry: "Hiroshi, you can't set the price too high. We only pay 5,000 yen per Akita dog. If you set it too high, I'm afraid it will scare away our customers."

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara's smile widened.

The elder brother's concerns stemmed from his caution regarding the market. But what he needed to do now was to overturn his elder brother's understanding of the market.

“Brother, you’re wrong.” Hiroshi Nohara spoke softly, his tone calm yet firm: “Our Akita dogs from Nohara Company are not ordinary Akita dogs. They are Akita dogs that embody the story of ‘Hachiko: The Tale of a Loyal Dog,’ they are Akita dogs that symbolize loyalty and kinship!”

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the vast Tokyo Bay outside the window, his eyes deep and confident: "So, brother, listen carefully. The price of an Akita Inu from our Nohara Company cannot be less than—one million yen!"

"what?!"

On the other end of the phone, Nohara Saji's voice, like a duck being choked, instantly became sharp and shrill, filled with disbelief and horror!

He stood there, stunned, his mind replaying Hiroshi Nohara's words: "One million yen!"

He bought the Akita Inu for a mere five thousand yen! And now, Hiroshi Nohara wants him to sell it for one million yen?!
This...this is outrageous!

"Hiroshi! You...you're not kidding, are you?!" Nohara Sashi's voice trembled slightly, filled with confusion and...a hint of fear: "One million yen? This...how can we possibly sell that?! We only paid five thousand yen for an Akita! Even with the cost of the venue and food, we could still make a pure profit by selling an Akita for fifteen thousand yen!"

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

“Brother, listen to me,” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm yet firm. “This market is no longer the one you used to know. Now, our Akita dogs are more than just pets; they are cultural symbols, emotional anchors, and symbols of status!”

He paused, his tone becoming more serious: "So, brother, what you need to do now is take out the reference book I drew for you before, which is about classifying and categorizing Akita dogs."

“The higher the purity of the bloodline, the higher the grade. And the more expensive it will be.” Hiroshi Nohara said calmly.

“Divide the bloodline?!” Nohara Sashi’s voice became doubtful again: “Hiroshi! You…you’re not kidding, are you? Akita dogs are everywhere in Akita Prefecture! How are we supposed to distinguish the bloodline?! This…this is simply a fantasy!”

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara gave a helpless, bitter smile.

He knew that it would be difficult to make his older brother understand the principles of "brand premium" and "emotional value".

Although there are now signs of things like lineage, brand premium, and emotional value, these are actually a set of practices that only became popular in later generations.

But it would definitely be difficult to talk to my honest older brother about it.

Even in later generations.

This is a seemingly simple but actually complex strategy that requires extensive advertising and subtle shaping of values ​​to make people believe that what they are buying is a psychological value that symbolizes the brand, emotions, and the status of the wealthy.

“Brother, you don’t need to worry about so much.” Hiroshi Nohara said softly, “You just need to follow the picture book I gave you, and the more a dog looks like a yatsuzuki, the purest Akita dog it is. The more expensive it will be when you sell it.”

He paused, then said with a hint of command, "Brother, you just need to do as I say. Trust me, I will never let you lose money. I will only let you make a fortune!"

Nohara Saji stood there, stunned, his mind replaying Nohara Hiroshi's words. Although he didn't understand Nohara Hiroshi's "logic," he knew that Nohara Hiroshi had never disappointed him.

From the box office phenomenon of "Seven Samurai" to the deeply moving "Hachi: A Dog's Tale," every "whimsical idea" of Hiroshi Nohara has brought him tremendous surprises.

"Okay...okay! Hiroshi! I...I understand!" Nohara Sashi's voice trembled slightly, his tone filled with unconditional trust in his younger brother: "I...I'll get on it right away! I'll do as you say, to grade the Akita dogs and set prices for them!"

He paused, then decided it would be better to ask in more detail: "Hiroshi, so... how many do we ship at once? We currently have nearly two thousand Akita dogs at our breeding base!"

"Big brother, listen carefully." After thinking for a while, Hiroshi Nohara said, "Don't release too many Akita dogs. Release them slowly. We need to create an atmosphere of 'scarcity' and 'preciousness.' Each time we release them, only a few dozen will be available. Then, we'll set the price high so that the rich and famous will scramble to buy them!"

He paused, his tone becoming more serious: "Furthermore, brother, use the funds you've gathered immediately to continue buying and breeding Akita dogs. At the same time, you must buy even more land. I've said before that the government is currently regulating the economy, but please remember, agriculture is always the most resilient sector. So, speed things up and do everything possible to expand your land holdings! My goal is—at least five thousand acres! I hope you'll work hard too! Don't be afraid to spend money!"

As Nohara Sasuke listened to Nohara Hiroshi's words, the sheer joy on his face became even more pronounced.

He knew that Hiroshi Nohara was "pointing him in the right direction" and also "putting pressure on him".

“Yes, Hiroshi! I understand!” Nohara Saji replied emphatically, his tone firm: “I will definitely do as you say! I guarantee that our Nohara Family Company will become the largest agricultural company in Akita Prefecture, and even in the whole of Japan!”

"Okay, then I'll trouble you, brother." Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled and nodded.

After chatting for a few more minutes, he hung up the phone, leaned back in his chair, and calmly gazed out the window at the vast Tokyo Bay.

The next step is to wait.

And the outcome of the wait is already predictable, which is really good.

……

The night was as dark as ink, gently enveloping the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

As dusk settles, the city's pulse beats rhythmically in the interplay of light and shadow. Yet, in an office on the seventeenth floor of the Tokyo Television production department, time seems to stand still, each second feeling as heavy as lead.

This is the office of Deputy Director Ming Rihai.

Hiroshi Nohara sat upright on a large sofa, his posture as straight as a pine tree rooted in the rocks.

On the coffee table in front of him, a cup of hot tea had long since cooled, with a thin layer of steam floating on the surface, like a dream about to dissipate.

His gaze swept calmly over everyone in the room, his clear eyes devoid of any ripples, as if what awaited him at this moment was not his reputation or the box office success of the opening day, but merely the dazzling night view outside the window.

Deputy Director Ming Rihai appeared somewhat restless. His face, which was usually beaming with a cheerful smile, was now tense, and his brows betrayed a hint of barely concealed anxiety.

He would pick up the phone on the table from time to time, then put it down again, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the dial, making a soft "tap-tap" sound, like the beat of a heartbeat.

Executive Deputy Director Toshihide Takada, a leader of the "Tokyo faction" known for his calm and self-possessed demeanor, also appeared somewhat unusual at this moment.

He sat silently on the other side of the sea, toying with a fountain pen in his hand, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the cap. That subtle movement betrayed the tension deep within him.

In the room, besides these three key figures, there were many familiar faces.

Director Eiji Kurosawa, a first-class director hailed as a giant of Japanese samurai films, appeared unusually relaxed at this moment.

He was dressed in a dark kimono, sitting upright on the other side of Hiroshi Nohara, holding a cup of hot tea in his hands. His gaze calmly swept over everyone in the room, with a faint smile between his brows.

Directors Takashi Ashikaga and Kita Asano sat stiffly on the sofa, like two statues.

Their slightly haggard faces were covered with fine beads of sweat, and their eyes were filled with trepidation and unease.

They were co-directors of "Hachiko Monogatari," and the film's success or failure was closely tied to their reputation.

In addition, several of the film's main actors were also talking in hushed tones, their voices revealing a barely concealed excitement and nervousness.

They are the spokespeople for the film, and also its witnesses. At this moment, they, like all ordinary viewers, are waiting for that number that will determine the fate of the film.

"How much do you think the box office will be on the first day?" a young actor couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his voice trembling slightly, breaking the suffocating silence in the room.

Upon hearing this, the actress beside him instinctively clenched her hands, her face filled with anticipation: "I heard that there's a lot of buzz about 'Hachi: A Dog' right now! Everyone's saying that this movie is definitely going to be a huge hit! I bet it'll gross at least a billion yen on its opening day!"

"One billion yen?!" Upon hearing this, another veteran actor couldn't help but chuckle, his voice carrying a hint of disdain yet brimming with confidence: "You really underestimate Minister Nohara! His film 'Seven Samurai' grossed 1.2 billion yen on its opening day! And that movie didn't get the Governor's personal endorsement and promotion like 'Hachiko Monogatari'!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his tone becoming impassioned: "I predict the opening day box office will reach at least 1.5 billion yen! It might even hit 1.8 billion yen!"

"Eighteen billion yen?!" A young production staff member exclaimed in disbelief, his young face filled with astonishment. "This...this is like the box office of a Hollywood blockbuster! Our Japanese domestic films can actually reach this level?!"

"Why not?" the veteran actor retorted, his shrewd eyes gleaming with confidence. "Don't forget who directed this movie! It's Hiroshi Nohara! He's the pride of Japan! His movies, TV dramas, and manga are all fantastic! Even Americans are now captivated by his talent! He is the hope of the Japanese film industry!"

“Yes! Even Governor Koike personally praised him!” The actress chimed in, her face beaming with pride. “I heard that Governor Koike even adopted the Eight-Petaled Bamboo! He even said that he would take the Eight-Petaled Bamboo’s loyalty as his motto and serve the people of Tokyo! This… this is unprecedented publicity!”

"So! I bet the opening day box office will reach at least two billion yen!" a young screenwriter exclaimed excitedly, his bright eyes gleaming with fervor. "It might even surpass two billion yen! Becoming the highest-grossing domestic film on its opening day in Japanese film history!"

For a moment, the office was filled with various heated discussions.

Everyone was stunned by these astonishing numbers, their eyes filled with anticipation and fervor.

They eagerly expressed their anticipation for the film, their admiration for Hiroshi Nohara, and their boundless hope for its future.

Director Eiji Kurosawa listened quietly to the discussions, his weathered face still radiating a sense of anticipation.

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then said in a low voice to Asumi, Toshihide Takada, and Hiroshi Nohara beside him, "It seems that everyone has a lot of confidence in Hiroshi-kun's movie."

He paused, his gaze falling on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with admiration and expectation: "However, I think everyone's estimates are a bit conservative. I guess the opening day box office will be at least 1.5 billion yen. After all, the emotional power contained in Hiroshi-kun's film is enough to penetrate all hypocrisy and scheming, reaching the softest corner of people's hearts."

"Fifteen billion?" Deputy Director Ming Rihai asked thoughtfully.

He glanced at Eiji Kurosawa, then at Hiroshi Nohara, and nodded with a light laugh: "Director Kurosawa is right. I feel the same way. I predict the opening day box office will be at least 1.6 billion yen."

Although not as outwardly expressive as Asumi, Executive Deputy Director Takada Toshihide nodded, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of agreement: "Yes, Director Kurosawa and Asumi are right. The promotional efforts for this film are unprecedented. Coupled with Hiroshi's talent, I predict that the opening day box office will reach at least 1.7 billion yen."

The three exchanged a smile, and a tacit understanding flowed silently in the air.

They all knew that Hiroshi Nohara's film would definitely create another miracle.

Their gazes, without prior arrangement, all turned to Hiroshi Nohara.

Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled and shrugged, his composure and confidence making him stand out in the atmosphere filled with anticipation and tension.

"With such a hot buzz in the early stages, I think we should achieve good results," Hiroshi Nohara said softly, his tone calm and firm, without the slightest ripple.

“Yes! The minister is right!” Kitagawa Yao, who was in charge of serving tea and water, said excitedly, her bright eyes sparkling with fervor: “I have never seen a movie that has generated such a huge social response before its release as ‘Hachiko Monogatari’!”

"Hiroshi-kun's publicity strategy is simply a stroke of genius!" Deputy Director Asumi couldn't help but exclaim, his cheerful face now filled with sincere admiration for Hiroshi Nohara: "Using the affirmation of foreign media to enhance the public's sense of identity with their own culture, this 'indirect approach to national salvation' is simply... brilliant!"

Executive Deputy Director Takada Toshihide nodded, a shrewd glint in his deep eyes: "Ashihimi-kun is right. This method of manipulating public opinion is simply... no less sophisticated than that of old politicians!"

He paused, then looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with admiration and expectation: "Hiroshi-kun, you really are... a hidden talent. No wonder even Governor Koike looks at you with new respect and even plans to bring you into his campaign."

“You two deputy directors are too kind,” Hiroshi Nohara said calmly. “It’s just thanks to the platform of TV Tokyo.”

This is the truth.

If it weren't for TV Tokyo backing me up, my manipulation of public opinion would probably have been crushed by the Japanese authorities long ago. After all, Japan's control over public opinion is extremely strict.

Hiroshi Nohara's success is indeed closely related to TV Tokyo.

Behind him stood the behemoth that is TV Tokyo, Director Nobuhiko Sakata, His Excellency Hideaki Fujiwara, and even Governor Koike.

It was this vast and secretive "Tokyo faction" cultural and political alliance that was protecting him.

"Hahahaha!" Everyone laughed knowingly. They knew that Hiroshi Nohara was right.

Behind every success lies countless hours of sweat and effort, countless compromises and sacrifices, and countless unseen driving forces.

However, they didn't discuss it for long.

Just then, the office door was pushed open.

A staff member who looked to be in his early twenties, wearing a TV Tokyo uniform, was standing panting at the door, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement and elation.

He waved a document in his hand, a document that seemed to hold the fate of the entire TV Tokyo network in its hands.

All eyes turned to him.

The office fell into a deathly silence.

Only the employee's heavy breathing and the rustling of the documents in his hands echoed in this enclosed space.

"The...the first day's box office figures...are out!" The employee's voice trembled slightly, a testament to extreme excitement.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the elation in his heart, and then, in an almost reverent tone, slowly uttered the number: "The opening day box office of 'Hachiko Monogatari'—2.1 billion yen!"

"what?!"

"Twenty-one billion yen?!"

"My God! This...this is simply a miracle!"

After a brief silence, the office erupted into a huge uproar and revelry!
Everyone was so excited they were incoherent. They cheered, jumped for joy, and hugged each other. Their ecstasy almost lifted the entire office upside down.

This result is truly astonishing.

In Japan, for good domestic films, if they can gross over one billion yen on their opening day, then they are considered top-notch films.

If it can break 1.5 billion, it will be a shoo-in for the year's box office champion.

The box office on the first day is now 2.1 billion.

It's a phenomenal achievement, comparable to those big-budget, high-production Hollywood movies.

How could the people present not be excited?

This is simply a record-breaking achievement!

You know, there has never been a Japanese film before that achieved such high ratings on its opening day!
And all this.

Everything was shattered by Hiroshi Nohara, a twenty-four-year-old!
It truly drove everyone crazy.

Even a strange, almost morbid, sense of fervent excitement, as if it had defeated the Americans, filled my mind.

So much so that even Deputy Director Asumi jumped up from the sofa, excitedly pacing around his office twice before rushing to Hiroshi Nohara, his voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement: "Hiroshi-kun! 2.1 billion yen! 2.1 billion yen! You...you've created another miracle! A miracle that's enough to shake the entire Japanese film industry!"

Executive Deputy Director Takada Toshihide, having recovered from his initial shock, now wore a complex expression that transformed into heartfelt admiration: "Hiroshi-kun! You...you're simply a monster! You've once again exceeded all our expectations!"

Director Eiji Kurosawa simply sat there quietly, his gaze fixed on Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with the gleam of 'You really did it.'

He also picked up his teacup again and took a small sip.

I also feel...

The relief of knowing that my era had indeed passed.

Now, this veteran, who once upheld the only shining point of the Kanto faction, is truly planning to begin enjoying his retirement.

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