I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 196 Conspiracy! The Election of the Mayor of Tokyo! The Establishment of Tokyo Television!

The night, like a huge velvet cloth soaked in ink and gold dust, gently enveloped the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku.

In the private club on the top floor of the Qilin Group headquarters, which is not open to the public, the air is filled with the rich and slightly spicy aroma of high-end cigars, which intertwine with the sweet, melted amber-like scent of the whiskey in the glass, creating a unique aroma of power and wealth.

Shunsuke Kamiki sat gracefully on the expensive Italian leather sofa, his posture as elegant as that of a meticulously groomed Persian cat.

His Versace haute couture suit was impeccably tailored, perfectly accentuating his slender, meticulously maintained physique. His handsome face, hailed as a "national treasure-level idol," gleamed with an ivory-like glow under the crystal chandelier, making him seem almost unreal.

He carefully poured a full glass of wine for the man opposite him, whose body was as large as a small mountain.

Sato Tokugawa, chairman of the Kirin Group, a man who started in real estate and rose to the pinnacle of wealth and power during the frenzy of Japan's economic bubble, was now comfortably leaning back on the sofa, his fat face glowing with a greasy red from the effects of alcohol.

He picked up his glass and downed the expensive whiskey in one gulp, as if it were water.

Then he let out a deep, satisfied sigh, like that of a wild beast: "Ah, this is truly fine wine!"

“Mr. Tokugawa.” Kamiki Shunsuke’s voice was as smooth as the finest silk, yet filled with just the right amount of intimacy: “You see, the idol dramas I filmed last year had pretty good ratings and generated quite a buzz among young people. And those drama awards this year… could you…”

He didn't finish his sentence, but his peach blossom eyes were filled with unspoken expectation.

He was like a pet asking its owner for a reward; his cautious probing, contrasting sharply with his proud and handsome appearance, created a peculiar effect that could move any man.

"Oh, is that all?" Sato Tokugawa waved his hand dismissively. His eyes, narrowed to slits by his obesity, glanced lazily at Kamiki Shunsuke, his expression relaxed and carefree.

"Don't worry, this year's Tokyo Drama Awards Best Actor is definitely yours." He hiccuped, his tone full of domineering: "I've already spoken to the organizers, they won't dare not give me face, after all, I invested 300 million yen!"

"Really?! Thank you so much, Mr. Tokugawa!" A bright smile instantly bloomed on Kamiki Shunsuke's face. His heartfelt joy made his already handsome face even more radiant at this moment.

However, beneath this ecstasy, a subtle gloom crept into his heart.

He keenly sensed that Sato Tokugawa's attitude towards him seemed...not as enthusiastic as before.

In the past, as long as he showed the slightest desire, Sato Tokugawa would eagerly present him with all the best things, just like a parent who had spoiled their child.

But now, he has to take the initiative to ask for an award that, in his opinion, should rightfully belong to him.

This subtle change stirred a strong sense of crisis in Shunsuke Kamiki's heart.

He knew that his face, though an invincible weapon, would eventually grow old. He couldn't forever remain a canary dependent on the powerful.

He wants to prove his worth, not just based on his face.

Thinking of this, the bright smile that belonged to an idol on Kamiki Shunsuke's face was gradually replaced by a more profound expression.

He refilled Sato Tokugawa's cup, his voice becoming more composed: "Mr. Tokugawa, the entire Tokyo metropolis is buzzing with talk of the booming real estate market. I've heard from friends that the Kirin Group has recently acquired several prime locations in Minato and Chiyoda wards. In just a few years, this entire greater Tokyo metropolitan area will likely become your backyard."

This compliment was perfectly timed, praising Sato Tokugawa's business acumen while also precisely hitting his vanity and desire for recognition.

Sure enough, after hearing these words, Sato Tokugawa's languid expression, which had been caused by alcohol, was instantly replaced by a genuine sense of pride.

"Hahahaha! Junsuke, you finally said something I wanted to hear!" He laughed loudly, his voice filled with the arrogance typical of a nouveau riche: "That's right! Without real estate companies like us, could this Greater Tokyo Area have developed? Those politicians are all talk and no action! The ones who can truly change the face of this city are us, the pragmatists with money, land, and people!"

That arrogance that came from the bone made him feel as if he had become a "god" of this city.

However, a perfectly timed look of worry appeared on Shunsuke Kamiki's face.

“But, Mr. Tokugawa,” he frowned, his worried expression resembling that of a wise minister sharing the emperor’s burdens, “I’ve heard from friends that the current Governor of Tokyo, Ryuichi Koike, seems…seems not to be very supportive of large-scale real estate development. He seems more inclined to preserve those old neighborhoods, to do something like ‘cultural preservation.’ I…I’m a little worried that your plans might be affected by policy changes.”

He cleverly transformed his persona from a pretty face who only knew how to act cute and silly into a "strategist" who could share Sato Tokugawa's burdens and solve his problems.

He wanted to show Sato Tokugawa that he, Kamiki Shunsuke, was not only handsome, but also intelligent.

Sato Tokugawa found it amusing to look at his adorable, "patriotic" appearance.

He could certainly see through Kamiki Shunsuke's little scheme.

However, he was in a good mood today and didn't mind playing this "ruler and minister responding to each other" game with the pretty little guy.

"Shunsuke, you're still too young." Sato Tokugawa shook his head with a smile, his small eyes flashing with a shrewdness and disdain that seemed to have seen through the ways of the world.

"Do you think that Tokyo is ruled by Koike Ryuichi alone?" He curled his lip, his tone full of contempt for the governor. "The governor of Tokyo sounds impressive, overseeing 23 special wards and 26 cities. But can he really control Tokyo?"

"The mayor of Tokyo isn't his man, and they're not even from the same party! The mayor just listens to Koike Ryuichi's suggestions, but how to actually implement them is up to us, the people of Tokyo!"

Upon hearing this, Shunsuke Kamiki wore a perfectly appropriate expression of understanding, though not quite.

He knew he couldn't appear too clever on this issue, otherwise his earlier concerns would seem overly deliberate.

“Mr. Tokugawa, what do you mean…” Kamiki Shunsuke pursed his lips.

“You only need to know one thing.” Sato Tokugawa interrupted him, leaning close to Kamiki Shunsuke. His fat face was now filled with an undeniable domineering air: “Tokyo is the headquarters of my Kirin Group! Here, I, Sato Tokugawa, can say what I mean and call the shots!”

That arrogance, emanating from the very marrow of his bones, seemed to freeze the air in the entire room.

Looking at him, Shunsuke Kamiki's usually affectionate eyes now held only a deep-seated awe and worship.

"But speaking of which," Sato Tokugawa seemed to have thought of something else, stroking his thick chin, a sly glint in his small eyes, "this year, I also plan to follow Nohara Hiroshi's example and arrange for our Kirin Entertainment Agency to make a few animal-themed movies to promote Tokyo. Especially our mayor of Tokyo, he also wants to use this 'heartwarming and healing' trend to garner votes for his re-election."

"Really?!" Kamiki Shunsuke's eyes lit up instantly. He leaned forward slightly, his excitement overflowing. "Mr. Tokugawa! Then... then can I participate?"

“Of course it’s prepared for you,” Sato Tokugawa said with a smile. “However, you should also remember that this time the partner is Tokyo City Television, not Tokyo Broadcasting Corporation.”

"Tokyo City Television?" A perfectly timed look of confusion crossed Kamiki Shunsuke's face again. "What's that? I've never heard of it before?"

“It’s a new television station that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government initiated this year,” Tokugawa Sato explained. “The purpose is quite simple: to weaken the influence of TV Tokyo in Tokyo and the entire Kanto region.”

Upon hearing this, Shunsuke Kamiki's confusion deepened.

"But Mr. Tokugawa, aren't your main publicity and investments all with TV Tokyo? How... how did you get involved with this Tokyo City TV station again?"

“Shunsuke, remember this.” A subtle yet meaningful smile appeared on Sato Tokugawa’s face: “We businessmen only ever pursue profit. Whoever can bring us the greatest profit, we will support.”

He paused, his tone becoming more meaningful: "Back then, during the Tokyo mayoral election, the current mayor and the previous director of TV Tokyo were rivals. And as you know, the TV Tokyo candidate lost. And this current mayor supports real estate development. So, tell me, who should I support?"

Upon hearing this, Shunsuke Kamiki felt a sudden tremor in his heart.

He finally understood.

This is not just a business competition, but also... a struggle between factions!

"Is it...is it a difference in factions?" he asked tentatively.

“That’s right.” Sato Tokugawa nodded with a smile. Looking at Kamiki Shunsuke’s face, which was filled with shock, the satisfaction of being in a superior position in his heart grew even stronger.

He likes the feeling of having everything under his control.

"So, Shunsuke, are you ready?" Sato Tokugawa's voice rang out again: "Next, Tokyo TV will be launching a brand new 'heartwarming' program to compete with TV Tokyo! At that time, you will be our most important trump card!"

"Me...me?!" Kamiki Shunsuke was so excited that he was incoherent. He looked at Sato Tokugawa with his eyes filled with uncontrollable ecstasy.

He knew his chance had come.

He can not only continue to be his idol star, but he can also participate in this factional struggle full of smoke and fire!
He will no longer be a canary that only depends on the strong.

He will become the sharpest knife in Sato Tokugawa's hands!

"Thank you so much! Mr. Tokugawa! Thank you for your guidance!" He bowed repeatedly, his heartfelt gratitude overflowing.

"Do a good job, Shunsuke," Sato Tokugawa said with a smile, his voice filled with unspoken expectation. "This year's Tokyo Drama Awards also have shares in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. I guarantee you'll receive your share of the glory."

Kamiki Shunsuke stared blankly at Sato Tokugawa, knowing that he had truly made the right bet this time.

In this factional struggle filled with smoke and fire, he will step by step ascend to the pinnacle of power, becoming a person who can truly influence the times and change the world.

And he, Shunsuke Kamiki, will be able to crush that country bumpkin named Hiroshi Nohara under his feet in the process!

……

Tokyo's night is like a cocktail blended with neon lights and starlight—sweet, hazy, yet subtly chilling.

In the private suite on the top floor of the Qilin Group building, overlooking the dazzling lights of the entire block, the air is filled with the faint aftertaste of women's perfume, which mixes with the crisp fruity aroma of top-quality champagne in the ice bucket, creating a luxurious yet empty atmosphere.

Tokugawa Sato, the president of Kirin Entertainment, was lounging in a huge leather sofa.

He picked up a towel and wiped the sweat from his face.

He looked satisfied.

The amber-colored whiskey in his hand was reduced to a thin layer at the bottom, much like the slightly tipsy mood in his eyes.

Across from him, Shunsuke Kamiki, the agency's hottest idol, also sat down with difficulty and respectfully poured Tokugawa Sato a new glass of whiskey.

That handsome face, capable of making countless girls scream, now carried a hint of cautious ingratiation.

"President Sato, the fact that the viewership ratings for the sequel to 'Tokyo Love Story' have remained above 25% is largely thanks to your strategic planning." Kamiki Shunsuke continued his gratitude, "If it weren't for your insistence on casting me as the male lead despite all opposition, I'm afraid..."

Sato Tokugawa simply swirled the glass in his hand, the ice cubes inside making a crisp sound as they collided with the glass, like a rhythm.

“It’s your own merit.” He was also adjusting his breathing as he spoke, trying to calm his wildly beating heart. He glanced at Kamiki Shunsuke and smiled slightly. “The market needs idols like you. I just went with the flow and gave you a stage.”

"No, President, you are my mentor!" Kamiki Shunsuke immediately bowed, his posture so humble it was almost fawning: "Without you, there would be no Kamiki Shunsuke today! From now on, whatever you need, I will..."

"All right."

At that moment, Sato Tokugawa seemed to have thought of something. He raised his wrist, and the platinum dial of his Patek Philippe watch reflected a cold light under the crystal chandelier.

He glanced at the time on the screen, a serious look flashing in his eyes: "It's getting late, you should go back."

Kamiki Shunsuke's heartfelt words of loyalty were instantly choked in his throat. He was slightly taken aback, and a look of surprise and... a hint of barely perceptible grievance appeared on his handsome face.

He hadn't expected Sato to be so quick to kick him out.

"President..." He subconsciously shifted forward, his voice carrying a hint of coquetry—his most effective weapon when facing the man who held his future in his hands: "I...I'd like to chat with you a little longer. I have some ideas about the next film..."

I said, you should go.

Sato Tokugawa's voice remained calm, but beneath that calmness lay an unyielding chill. He didn't even glance at Kamiki Shunsuke again, instead turning his gaze to the dazzling night view outside the window.

"I'm going to meet a very important guest next."

The tone was as if to say that you, Kamiki Shunsuke, no longer belong to the category of "important".

Kamiki Shunsuke's body stiffened abruptly, and a crack appeared in the carefully maintained smile on his face. He could clearly feel an invisible wall slowly rising between him and Sato Tokugawa.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he chose to remain silent in front of Sato's cold profile.

He knew that staying any longer would only bring him further humiliation.

"...Hi, President." He slowly stood up and bowed deeply again, his humility now appearing somewhat stiff. "Then...then I won't bother you any longer. Please get some rest."

After saying that, he turned and left the suffocating suite with slightly painful steps.

As the heavy door slowly closed behind him, the humility and ingratiation on Kamiki Shunsuke's face vanished instantly, like smoke blown away by the wind.

Instead, there was a viciousness and resentment born of humiliation.

He strode into the elevator, his face, which had been flawless in front of countless cameras, now slightly distorted with jealousy and resentment.

The elevator descended smoothly, and his gloomy face was reflected in the metal wall.

As he stepped out of the hotel, the cool evening breeze calmed his agitated heart a little.

He walked to the parking lot and skillfully opened the door of a black sedan. It was a well-maintained Toyota Century, a classic flagship model from the 80s, with square lines and a composed demeanor, which contrasted sharply with his fashionable and avant-garde attire.

This car was a "gift" given to him by Sato Tokugawa, and it was also a symbol of his status.

However, at this moment, this luxury car, a symbol of glory, seemed to him like a magnificent prison.

He started the car, and the dull roar of the V8 engine mirrored his suppressed emotions.

The car slowly drove out of the parking lot and merged into the endless stream of cars in Ginza.

Instead of going home immediately, Shunsuke Kamiki drove aimlessly through the streets. He picked up his phone, hesitated for a moment, and finally dialed a number.

That was someone Sato Tokugawa introduced him to at a banquet.

A man named Masanami Kishida is the general manager of a large real estate company in Tokyo.

The call was answered quickly.

"Hello, is this President Kishida?" Kamiki Shunsuke's voice regained its carefully polished clarity and magnetism, but beneath that humility lay a hint of barely perceptible urgency. "This is Kamiki Shunsuke. I'm so sorry to bother you so late."

"Oh? It's Kamiki-kun!" Kishida Masanao's slightly surprised yet playful laugh came from the other end of the phone. "Not at all, it's my honor to receive a call from a big star like you! What's up? Kamiki-kun, since we last met, would you like to visit my headquarters?"

"It's like this, President Kishida." Kamiki Shunsuke's tone became more tactful, his cautiousness as if he were testing the waters: "I've recently developed some interest in real estate investment. I was wondering... if you would have time tomorrow to have a cup of coffee with me and perhaps offer some guidance to this novice?"

He knew that this phone call was a risk.

An adventure in an attempt to break free from Tokugawa Sato's control and build one's own network of connections.

……

Inside the penthouse suite, Sato Tokugawa didn't even glance back at the closed door. To him, Kamiki Shunsuke's departure was nothing more than swatting away a buzzing fly—insignificant.

He picked up the internal phone, his voice regaining the calm and authority befitting someone in a position of power.

"Clear the area, clean this place up."

He paused, then added, "Everything, replace it with new ones. I don't want to smell anything."

After hanging up the phone, he went straight into the bathroom.

Hot water poured down from the showerhead, washing over his well-maintained body and also washing away the insignificant restlessness in his heart.

He cleansed every corner of his body with such solemnity that it was as if he were not taking a bath, but undergoing a sacred fasting and bathing.

Because he knew that the person he was about to meet was the one who could truly determine his fate, and even the fate of the entire Qilin Artists Agency.

An hour later, the suite was completely renovated.

A faint scent of sandalwood filled the air, a fragrance that Sato Tokugawa loved most—calm yet full of power.

He changed into a dark-colored, top-quality kimono, made of exquisite fabric and perfectly tailored, making him appear even more composed and reserved.

He sat upright in the main seat, with an exquisite tea set on the tea table in front of him, the aroma of tea wafting through the air, refreshing and delightful.

Opposite him, four middle-aged men who looked to be in their forties or fifties and were also dressed in kimonos, who had arrived earlier, were sitting upright with solemn expressions.

Without exception, they are all giants in Tokyo's construction, real estate, building materials and other related industries, and are the big shots who can truly control the city's economic lifeline.

However, at this moment, they were like a group of primary school students about to meet their teachers, and the deep-seated awe they felt made the atmosphere in the room heavy.

They are all waiting.

They awaited the arrival of the one who would make them all bow down in submission.

Just then, the suite door was silently pushed open.

An elderly man dressed in a dark gray kimono walked in slowly with steady steps.

He was thin, but his back was ramrod straight, like a drawn sword. His face, etched with the lines of time, was calm, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, as if they could see through all the illusions of the world.

"Your Excellency Mayor!"

Sato Tokugawa and the four industry giants almost simultaneously stood up from their seats and bowed deeply to the old man.

That bent back conveyed a deep sense of awe and submission.

This old man is none other than the current mayor of Tokyo, and the absolute core of their community of interests—Tanaka Mikami.

Tanaka nods slightly, walks to the main seat, and slowly sits down. His imposing presence instantly takes control of the entire room.

He didn't say any pleasantries, but simply swept his sharp, hawk-like eyes slowly over everyone present before getting straight to the point.

"Everyone here is a core member of my campaign team." His voice wasn't loud, but it was as steady and powerful as an ancient bell, each word striking the hearts of everyone present: "There are only three months left until the new mayoral election, and I need your help."

"I will follow Mayor's arrangements!" Sato Tokugawa was the first to bow his head.

"Hi!"

The other four industry giants also bowed, their attitude both respectful and resolute.

They knew that their wealth and status, their lives and fortunes, were inextricably linked to the old man before them.

One glory and one glory.

"Very good." Tanaka nods in satisfaction. He picks up his teacup, takes a sip, and a barely perceptible glint flashes in his sharp eyes: "How's the campaign funding coming along?"

"Don't worry, Mayor," the oldest-looking real estate tycoon replied in a deep voice. "The five of us have each prepared 100 million yen in political donations, which can be deposited into your campaign account at any time."

"Hmm." Tanaka nods again, a smile of approval on his face: "You are all the team I trained from scratch, and I trust you."

His gaze then shifted to another middle-aged man who appeared refined and wore gold-rimmed glasses.

"Takahashi-kun, how's the 'Tokyo City Television' project that I asked you to prepare going?"

This middle-aged man named Takahashi was originally a high-ranking official in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's propaganda system, with a promising future.

However, for the sake of Tanaka Mikami's election campaign, he resolutely resigned from his public office and devoted himself to this private media platform, which was specially tailored for Tanaka Mikami.

"Mayor, please rest assured," Takahashi replied respectfully, his competence and composure clearly indicating his experience as a seasoned official: "All the approval procedures for the television station have been completed. The program production team has also been assembled and is ready to begin production at any time, providing comprehensive media coverage for your campaign."

“Very good.” Tanaka Mikami’s face showed even greater satisfaction. “Once the TV station is successfully established, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will also acquire it. When that happens, you can come back and help me.”

"Hi!" The man immediately bowed his head excitedly. He knew this was a promise.

After saying all this, Tanaka Mikami's gaze finally fell on Sato Tokugawa.

“Sato-kun,” he said in a deep voice, “your Kirin Entertainment Agency has many artists under its umbrella and its production capabilities are top-notch in the industry. You must personally oversee the campaign program for this election and make sure it is the most moving piece you can create for me.”

"Hi, Mayor!" Sato Tokugawa bowed again, his attitude respectful yet full of confidence: "Everything is ready. Our company's Shunsuke Kamiki is currently extremely popular among young people. Several idol dramas he starred in, such as the 'Tokyo Love Story' series, have achieved phenomenal ratings, successfully creating a perfect idol image for him that is affectionate, devoted, and full of responsibility."

"President Sato is right." The real estate tycoon echoed, his face now full of agreement: "My daughter, who is still in college, is a die-hard fan of Shunsuke Kamiki! Every girl in her class considers him their dream man! If we could get Kamiki-kun to campaign for the mayor, it would be a huge boost in winning over young voters!"

“Yes! Yes!” another building materials merchant said with amusement, “Young people these days aren’t interested in politics, but they’re incredibly enthusiastic about their idols! If we cleverly incorporate the mayor’s campaign platform into Kamiki-kun’s promotional video, the effect will be far better than spending tens of millions of yen on those hard-sell ads!”

Tanaka Mikami listened quietly to their discussion, and the satisfaction on his face was gradually replaced by a deeper contemplation.

His slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, and a hint of seriousness flashed in his sharp eyes.

“Shunsuke Kamiki is indeed a strong player,” he said slowly. “However, having an idol alone is not enough.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. The air of authority he exuded made the room seem to freeze.

"We need to learn from our 'opponents'."

"An opponent?" Everyone was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

“Yes, my rival.” A meaningful smile curved the corners of Tanaka Mikami’s lips, and his eyes flashed with a complex light that was both admiring and hostile.

"Governor of Tokyo, Ryuichi Koike."

He paused, his tone becoming even more serious, his jealousy almost bursting forth: "And that young man under him, named Hiroshi Nohara."

"You've all probably watched 'Hachiko: A Dog' recently, right?" he asked in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded subconsciously, and a complex emotion that was hard to describe appeared on their faces.

"A movie about dogs has achieved such phenomenal box office success and generated such a huge social impact!" Tanaka Mikami let out a long sigh, a sigh tinged with a hint of resentment, but also with genuine admiration: "I've even heard that the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party is full of praise for this movie! They all say that Ryuichi Koike has struck gold this time! With this movie, his re-election as governor this year is practically a done deal!"

His words, like the sharpest knife, precisely struck the sore spot of everyone present.

Yes, it's a done deal.

This means that no matter how hard they try, they cannot shake Ryuichi Koike's dominant position in Tokyo.

This sense of powerlessness sent a chill down their spines.

"So, everyone," Tanaka Mikami's voice rang out again, the resentment and jealousy gradually replaced by a politician's calmness and decisiveness: "We must learn from him! Learn from Hiroshi Nohara!"

"We want to take a heartwarming approach! We want to touch people's hearts with the purest emotions! We want the citizens of Tokyo to know that I, Tanaka Mikami, am not just an iron-fisted mayor, but also an ordinary person with flesh and blood, feelings and righteousness!"

"Sato-kun!" He turned his gaze to Sato Tokugawa: "I don't care what methods you use! You must create a propaganda piece that surpasses 'Hachiko: A Dog's Tale,' is more moving, and resonates more with society! I want the citizens of Tokyo to cry for me! To be moved by me! To willingly cast their votes for me!"

"Hi, Mayor!" Sato Tokugawa bowed again. "Please rest assured! I will do my utmost and will not let you down!"

He knew this was going to be a tough battle.

A head-on confrontation with that "cultural monster" named Hiroshi Nohara.

And he, Sato Tokugawa, and the entire Kirin Entertainment agency behind him, will bet everything in this confrontation.

“Mayor, I have a preliminary idea.” Takahashi, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up. His eyes, behind his glasses, gleamed with the shrewdness of a media professional: “The success of ‘Hachiko: A Dog’ is not only due to its touching story, but also because it accurately captured the public’s current yearning for ‘loyalty’ and ‘family’. Therefore, I think we can also approach it from this angle.”

He paused, then his tone became more confident: "We can produce a documentary-style variety show called 'Tokyo Families.' Each episode will visit an ordinary family living in Tokyo, recording the little things in their lives and showcasing the kinship and bonds between them. Then, at the end of the show, you, Mayor, will personally appear on camera to offer this family a warm blessing and encouragement."

"In this way, your approachable image and your sense of social responsibility will be greatly enhanced. Moreover, this program can also form a clever resonance with the social atmosphere created by 'Hachiko: A Dog's Tale,' allowing us to naturally transfer the emotion that belongs to 'Hachiko' to you!"

Takahashi's words were watertight and incisive.

He not only came up with an idea, but also built a complete propaganda system for Tanaka Mikami that could rival Hiroshi Nohara.

"Good! Good! Good!"

After listening, Tanaka Mikami pondered for a moment and nodded in satisfaction: "Creating a down-to-earth persona in this way is indeed a very good approach!"

He looked at Takahashi with undisguised admiration in his eyes.

"Takahashi-kun! Your idea is absolutely brilliant! Absolutely ingenious!" He nodded in satisfaction: "Let's do it this way! Let's launch the 'Tokyo Family' project now! I want to fill the entire city of Tokyo with the 'warmth' of my Tanaka Mikami!"

As soon as he finished speaking, it was like throwing a handful of ice cubes into a boiling oil pan, instantly igniting the atmosphere in the entire room.

On Sato Tokugawa's fat face, his shrewd eyes were almost slits, but what shone through those slits was a light more intense than ever before.

He slammed his hand on the sofa armrest, and the expensive leather let out a muffled groan, as if it too was trembling in anticipation of the impending storm.

“Mayor, Takahashi’s blueprint is grand, but it still needs flesh and blood to fill it.” Sato Tokugawa’s voice was loud and full of power. His huge body leaned forward slightly, carrying an undeniable sense of oppression: “And what my Kirin Entertainment Agency has in abundance is this flesh and blood that can make cold plans come alive!”

He surveyed the crowd, his domineering presence befitting a business tycoon: "All of the top artists under my agency, including Shunsuke Kamiki, are willing to cooperate unconditionally with the filming of the show! Their apartments and their families can become our most authentic stage! We don't even need to deliberately seek out ordinary families; my artists are, in themselves, the most glamorous 'family members' living in this city!"

He paused, a confident smile playing on his lips: "At the end of the program, let Kamiki and the others, in the most sincere tone, explain your campaign philosophy of 'Building a Warm Tokyo and Protecting Every Family.' Mayor, what a sight that would be! It would be the perfect combination of the aura of an idol and the warmth of politics!"

"Brilliant!" The real estate tycoon immediately clapped his hands in admiration. "President Sato's plan is simply the finishing touch!"

The others nodded in agreement, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

They could almost see it: with Shunsuke Kamiki's stunningly handsome face, even the mayor of Tokyo, Mikami Tanaka, would appear approachable and charming.

However, amidst this enthusiastic applause, a slightly hesitant voice, like a discordant note abruptly inserted into a harmonious melody, stood out.

"Your Excellency, this plan is ingenious, but please forgive my frankness, there may be some inappropriate aspects."

It was Yamada, the building materials merchant who had remained silent, who spoke up.

He was always cautious, and at this moment his brows were furrowed even more, and a deep worry appeared on his face, which was always adorned with a warm smile.

"It is normal for businessmen like us to have close relationships with artists. But you are the mayor, an official supported by the people. If you get too involved with the entertainment industry, people may say that you are frivolous, neglecting your duties, and lacking the dignity that a public official should have."

As soon as he finished speaking, the tense atmosphere in the room instantly cooled down a bit.

The excitement on everyone's faces gradually subsided, replaced by a deeper contemplation.

Yamada's concerns were not unfounded.

In Japan, a society with a strict hierarchy and a strong emphasis on tradition, there has always been an invisible wall between politicians and entertainers.

Once they cross the line, they are easily labeled as "not doing their job properly," thus losing the public's trust.

"Yamada-kun, you are mistaken."

Just then, the real estate tycoon suddenly chuckled. He picked up his teacup, gently blew on the steam, and his eyes, which always gleamed with shrewdness, were now filled with a worldly wisdom.

"Times have changed." He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but like the sharpest knife, precisely dissecting the core of the problem: "Look at the current Governor of Tokyo, Ryuichi Koike. What kind of momentum does he have now? He merely endorsed a movie about dogs, yet his public support is rock solid, and his re-election is virtually a foregone conclusion. What does that say?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. The confidence befitting someone in a position of power made him stand out brilliantly at that moment: "This shows that the people today, especially young people, no longer believe in those empty political slogans. They are more willing to believe in a leader who is flesh and blood, who understands life, and who understands emotions! Americans use this approach, Europeans use it, so why can't we use it? Must our elections be a generation behind theirs?"

“Indeed, this is the same campaign strategy in Europe and the United States.” A thoughtful expression instantly appeared on Yamada’s face.

The others nodded in agreement, their heartfelt agreement making their eyes shine even brighter once more.

Yes, times have changed.

If these old folks cling to their outdated ideas, they will eventually be mercilessly swallowed up by the tide of time.

Tanaka Mikami listened quietly to their discussion. His wrinkled face remained expressionless, but his sharp, hawk-like eyes gleamed with the calmness and decisiveness of a politician.

He slowly stood up, walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, and looked out at the dazzling starry sky formed by countless lights.

"Yamada-kun's concerns are wise words." His voice, as steady and powerful as an ancient bell, echoed in everyone's ears: "But Sato-kun's foresight is the voice of the times."

He paused, then slowly turned around, his sharp eyes filled with undeniable authority and domineering presence.

He made a decision.

"That's it."

"We must use the methods of this era to win this era."

"Hi!" Since the mayor of Tokyo, Tanaka Mikami, had already made his decision, they said nothing more and all stood up, bowed, and looked solemn.

PS: Still asking for votes~ Recommendation votes and monthly votes~
(End of this chapter)