I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 208: 18.7%! The viewership ratings for "Midnight Diner" are unbeatable!

Tokyo TV station, top-floor conference room.

The heavy mahogany table seemed to have absorbed the gloom of failure; the red color looked like a heavy, gloomy hue.

Executive Vice President Kazuo Takahashi's face was ashen. He slammed his hands heavily on the table, making a dull thud that seemed to freeze the air.

His eyes swept over the three directors sitting opposite him—Watanabe, Fujisawa, and Nomura—as well as the idol lead actor, Shunsuke Kamiki, who was sitting next to him, looking restless and pale, and his manager.

"Ten point seven percent!" Takahashi's voice was like an icicle, each word piercing the air. He held up the ratings report he had just received and said through gritted teeth, "Look! Open your eyes and see clearly! This is the premiere result of 'South Island A-Feng and His Beloved Dog,' which we have been preparing for months and have high hopes for!"

Director Nomura tried to speak: "Takahashi-san, this is, after all, the premiere. The audience needs time to get used to our style..."

"Adapt?" Takahashi interrupted sharply, almost roaring, "Then tell me, what about TV Tokyo's 'Midnight Diner'?! 18.9%! 18.9%! Second-highest time slot! Higher than 'The First Retainer of the Feudal Lord' in prime time! That's a manga adaptation! What are we? We're an exclusively developed original drama! How big is the investment? How much is invested in promotion? How many resources has the Kirin Group poured into promoting you, Shinki Shunsuke? Huh?!"

When Kamiki Shunsuke was called out, he shrank back and looked to his manager for help.

The agent quickly interjected, "Managing Director Takahashi, this... this result is really good for our new channel and new drama, especially considering the enthusiastic response from young female audiences..."

"A warm response from young women?" Takahashi sneered, looking at the manager as if he were an idiot. "Do you know how much discussion 'Midnight Diner' generates among young people? How many of them are talking about our show? Talking about Kamiki Shunsuke's expressionless faces? A warm response? A warm response is only worth 10.7%? Use your toes to think about how much that is!"

Director Fujisawa cleared his throat, his voice slightly weak: "Managing Director Takahashi, please calm down. 'Midnight Diner'... after all, they have a manga foundation. A huge readership directly translates into viewership ratings; that's an inherent advantage." Even he himself felt unsure of his words.

Director Watanabe immediately grasped at a straw, nodding repeatedly in agreement: "Fujisawa is right! Takahashi-san, that's the key! That 18.9% is mostly due to the popularity brought by the manga! Their plot hasn't even unfolded yet, the audience is just looking for something new!"

Nomura quickly added, "Yes, yes! We're creating an original story, and the plot tension needs time to build! Our ratings will definitely have staying power! Viewers can't be attracted by a manga adaptation gimmick forever!"

Script consultant Kobayashi couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "But...but our plot...it didn't hold up from the start..." Though his voice was soft, Takahashi heard it.

Takahashi suddenly turned to him: "Kobayashi! You also think there's a problem?" His eyes looked like he wanted to devour him.

Kobayashi jumped in fright and quickly waved his hands: "Ah, no! What I mean is... well... the beginning always needs to set the stage... the pacing is a bit slow, but the conflicts will definitely pick up later! Later! The real action begins later!"

At this moment, Shunsuke Kamiki mustered up his courage and defended himself with a hint of grievance: "Managing Director Takahashi, I think my acting was quite convincing! Fans all say that I portrayed 'Afu's' gentleness and resilience very well!"

Takahashi glared at him, almost laughing in anger: "Dedicated? Resilient? You acted like a block of wood! Even a dog's reaction is more vivid than yours! Can your fans support the TV station's ratings? Can they help Mayor Tanaka win the election?!"

Mentioning Mayor Tanaka Mikami, Takahashi's expression instantly darkened, and he slumped back into his seat like a deflated balloon.

He held his forehead with his hand, his voice filled with exhaustion and fear: "The problem now is, how am I supposed to explain this to Mayor Tanaka? Should I present him with this humiliating ratings report? Should I tell him that our carefully prepared flagship drama was utterly crushed by a casually filmed manga adaptation in a second-lowest time slot? Should I say that our publicity campaign has become a joke?"

Watanabe quickly suggested, "We can emphasize the platform's foundation! We are a new station, and our audience is still growing. We can't just look at the absolute numbers from the first episode!"

Fujisawa quickly chimed in, "Right! Didn't the analysis report say we have a good reputation among certain groups? We can focus on promoting that!"

Nomura also offered a suggestion: "Furthermore, the concept of the 'Greater Tokyo School' is gradually infiltrated into our drama, which is key to its lasting impact! It's different from those fast-paced manga adaptations!"

Takahashi raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the cacophony of explanations from the crowd. The words "lasting impact," "specific groups," "platform foundation," and "ideological penetration" buzzed in his ears.

He knew full well that these people were giving reasons, but they were just reasons.

As a bureaucrat parachuted in from the propaganda department, he was not actually an expert in television production or audience psychology.

At this moment, he can only place his hopes on the judgment of these so-called professionals.

He waved his hand weakly, his voice weary: "The staying power... I hope it really does have the staying power you're talking about. I don't care what reasons you give, you must stabilize the ratings! Absolutely! Absolutely not any lower! Especially not let it fall further behind 'Midnight Diner'! As for how to report to the mayor... I can only explain it the way you've suggested now. Remember, the 'staying power' you just promised, if it doesn't..."

Takahashi didn't finish his last sentence, but the coldness in his tone sent a chill down everyone's spine.

After the meeting ended, everyone filed out, leaving only Takahashi in the meeting room.

He looked at the two ratings reports on the table. The glaring 18.9% was like a huge slap in the face of Tokyo TV, and also a slap in the face to his own career aspirations.

He hesitated in frustration, unsure how to broach the subject with Mayor Tanaka the inevitably disappointing figures in the report and the "lasting impact" he himself might not even believe.

But a report is still needed at this point.

Things can be said in a tactful way.

Responsibility can be shifted.

However, in the eyes of those involved in politics, not reporting is seen as disloyalty and dishonesty.

Kazuo Takahashi could still distinguish between what was more important and what was less important.

So Kazuo Takahashi put down the report on the dismal ratings of "Nanto Afu and His Beloved Dog" and picked up the phone heavily.

‘Dududu——’

The dialing pulse came through the receiver, exceptionally clear in the oppressive conference room.

"Hello?" The call was answered.

Kazuo Takahashi's voice was tense: "Moshi Moshi? It's me, Takahashi. I'm very sorry to bother you, Mayor Tanaka."

Tanaka Mikami's voice was surprisingly calm on the other end of the phone: "Oh, Takahashi-san. Is it about the premiere results of 'Southern Island'?"

Kazuo Takahashi was taken aback, his prepared apology stuck in his throat: "Hi! The ratings... were 10.7%. TV Tokyo's 'Midnight Diner' in the second-highest time slot... reached 18.9%. It's truly... truly shameful! It's our negligence that has let you down!"

Tanaka Mikami chuckled softly, almost silently: "Hehehe... Takahashi-san, you flatter me. Thank you for your hard work."

Kazuo Takahashi was completely stunned; there was no anger as he had expected: "Mayor? You mean...?"

Tanaka Mikami said slowly and deliberately, "This is a brand new TV station, a brand new channel, a brand new production team... and it was achieved under the direct attack of TV Tokyo, that old powerhouse. 10.7? Well... it's not good, but as a 'newcomer' facing a strong opponent in the early stages, it's acceptable."

Kazuo Takahashi was incredulous, almost thinking he had misheard: "Passed...passed? But...TV Tokyo..."

Tanaka Mikami interrupted him: "I know! 'Midnight Diner' is very popular, with a rating of 18.9, a frightening number. But so what? Takahashi-san, you need to think long-term. Don't let temporary wins and losses blind you. What's important now is not how much higher we are than them, but that Tokyo TV survives! Stand firm and make our voices heard!"

Kazuo Takahashi was deeply moved, his voice trembling slightly: "Yes! I understand! We will learn from this experience, work even harder, and never let TV Tokyo crush us so easily! We will definitely produce better works to repay your trust!"

Tanaka Mikami nodded slightly: "Yes, very good. Keep up this fighting spirit. Temporary ratings don't mean anything. The key is to maintain our presence and continue to convey the ideals of the 'Greater Tokyo School'. I believe in your abilities. That's all, good luck."

Kazuo Takahashi replied excitedly, "Hi! Thank you so much for your understanding and support, Mayor! Please rest assured! We will definitely..."

Tanaka Mikami's voice was flat as he interrupted him, his tone somewhat weary as he said, "Yeah. Let's hang up."

Kazuo Takahashi immediately replied respectfully, "Yes! I apologize for bothering you!"

Kazuo Takahashi gently put down the microphone, the gloom on his face vanished, replaced by the emotion and exhilaration of being understood, and even a trace of shame for his previous self-blame.

However, right there in the Tokyo mayor's office, Tanaka Mikami, clutching the microphone he had just hung up, instantly transformed from a "tolerant and gentle" demeanor into a storm cloud before a tempest.

Tanaka Mikami slammed the heavy black microphone back onto the landline with a loud bang, the force so great that the entire landline jumped: "Baka yarou!"

He suddenly stood up, his tall figure pacing anxiously behind the large desk, his expensive Italian leather shoes making a heavy scraping sound on the wooden floor.

Tanaka Mikami roared at the empty office, "10.7! Pass?! Pass my ass! That shitty rating! That piece of trash Takahashi! That idiot Sai Tokugawa! And those so-called famous directors! They're all cowards!!!"

He grabbed the latest opinion poll report from the table, almost roughly flipped to the page with the approval rating, and stared intently at the red number of nearly 73%. Only then did his violently heaving chest calm down a little, but the anger in his eyes did not subside.

Tanaka Mikami sneered, a hint of smugness mixed with forced consolation for his defeat: "Hmph... Fortunately, those fools are sensible enough. See? That's the key! Whoever brings them benefits, they'll support!"

He picked up the report, his finger jabbing hard at the equally high approval rating next to "Satisfaction with Rising Land Prices," his voice filled with conviction: "Houses! The key is houses! Land prices! House prices! This is the heart of Tokyo! This is the key to making these citizens submit! Let them see their assets appreciating every day, and they'll be as happy as if they'd eaten honey, and support you like loyal dogs! What culture, what ideology, bullshit! Is the sense of wealth brought by rising house prices real?!"

He seemed to have found the absolute truth, and his emotions stabilized slightly, but when he thought of Yoshihiro Shimazu and TV Tokyo's movements, his face was filled with gloom and contempt again.

Tanaka Mikami spat dismissively, "That old fox Shimazu who faked illness and ran away? Hmph! He thinks he can turn the world upside down with that brat Hiroshi Nohara's little tricks and propaganda? He's dreaming!"

"Dangdangdang——"

Just then, Secretary Sai cautiously knocked on the door and entered, carrying a document awaiting signature.

Secretary Sai heard Tanaka Mikami's angry curses and cautiously reported, "Mayor, the latest land price reports for each district show an average increase of 1.5% compared to last month. This is..."

Tanaka Mikami snatched the report, glanced at it, and impatiently waved his hand to interrupt: "Alright! I know! Prices will rise! They must rise! Tell the Housing and Construction Division to lift those restrictions! Let the market heat up even more! Don't those Shimadzu guys want to promote it? Let them promote it!"

He slammed the land price report down next to the opinion poll, his hands on the table, his eyes sharp and full of a desire for control.

Tanaka Mikami's tone was dismissive yet confident: "Propaganda? No matter how loudly you shout slogans, can they feed you? Can they be used as money? Can they make the citizens' pockets swell with paper wealth? Shimazu's stuff is nothing but a trick by poor intellectuals to deceive the common people! We just need to raise the real prices of land and houses, making every citizen 'feel' richer, and they will automatically stand on my side, Tanaka Mikami! That's the real will of the people! Shimazu doesn't understand, and they will never win!"

Secretary Sai bowed his head respectfully, not daring to say a word.

Tanaka Mikami's gaze swept over the two reports, finally settling on the soaring approval ratings. He regained some of the composure of a superior: "Go, notify Kashiwagi in the press department to broadcast the land price increases announced this time, especially those hot 'model districts,' during all citywide news time! The headline must be catchy—'Tokyo's Fortune, the Foundation of People's Prosperity'! I want all the citizens of Tokyo to be talking about how much their houses have appreciated in value at their dinner tables!"

Secretary Sai immediately responded, "Yes, sir! I'll get right on it!"

Sai quickly left the office.

Silence returned to the office.

Tanaka Mikami sat back in his leather chair, closed his eyes, and tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table, seemingly enjoying the sense of security brought by the illusory yet powerful support rate. However, anger still burned faintly in his eyes at the poor ratings of Takahashi and "Nanto Afu and His Beloved Dog".

Tanaka Mikami muttered to himself, a hint of coldness in his voice: "Useless trash... Luckily, this time it didn't cause me too much trouble. If they mess this up again next time... Hmph!"

……

Sakata Nobuhiko's office was filled with smoke, but it couldn't hide the genuine smile on his face.

Sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, making the silver hair of the de facto head of Tokyo TV shine brightly. The cigar in his hand was half-burned, its rich aroma mingling with the slight astringency of fine black tea, creating a flavor that could be described as power.

"The latest episode of 'Midnight Diner' has a viewership rating of 18.9%." Nobuhiko Sakata gently pushed a document to the center of the table, his gaze sweeping gently over his three capable lieutenants—the steady and composed Hiroshi Nohara, the shrewd and capable Asumi, and Toshihide Takada, who had now concealed all his sharpness.

"A remarkable achievement, Nohara-kun. You have once again created a miracle during this period."

Hiroshi Nohara bowed slightly, his expression calm as if he were listening to something that had nothing to do with him: "It is the result of the hard work of everyone on the team, as well as the opportunity given by Director Sakata and all the senior colleagues."

His humility was genuine, as if he were stating an objective fact.

Takada Toshihide's eyes held a hint of genuine admiration: "It's truly remarkable. Several of my producers have studied your program, and they all say it's impossible to replicate. That down-to-earth atmosphere, that perfect sense of distance between people, can't be imitated through technique alone."

Asumi nodded in agreement, her voice soft yet firm: "Most importantly, it brought a touch of warmth to people who hadn't returned home late at night. This has transcended the scope of a television program and become a social phenomenon. Nohara-kun, you've succeeded."

"Alright." Nobuhiko Sakata waved his hand with a smile, interrupting the small commendation ceremony. He stubbed out his cigar in the crystal ashtray, and his expression became serious.

The air in the office seemed to instantly become a little heavier.

"That's enough with the congratulations. Next, there's something even more important that requires the full effort of our production department—no, our entire TV Tokyo."

He paused, his gaze sharpening as he swept over the three men one by one.

“Starting from the next episode, all prime-time and near-prime-time programs must begin promoting President Shimazu’s election campaign. This includes not only Nohara-kun’s ‘Midnight Diner,’ but also both of you.” He looked at Takada and Asumi: “All the programs you are in charge of, whether dramas, variety shows, or anime, must include corresponding promotional content.”

Takada Toshihide immediately said seriously, "Of course. The president's important matters are our top priority at TV Tokyo. However... Director, the tone and scale of our publicity need to be standardized."

“That’s right,” Mingri Hai replied. “News and current affairs commentary programs are fine; we can cut straight into it. But for dramas and variety shows, if the product placement is too blatant, it might offend the audience and backfire.”

Nobuhiko Sakata nodded approvingly; he appreciated his subordinate's professionalism in identifying the crux of the problem. His gaze finally settled on Hiroshi Nohara.

"That's exactly why I called you all here today. What we're going to do isn't the kind of cramming or slogan-based hard advertising. I think the concept Nohara-kun proposed yesterday is very valuable and highly feasible."

Hiroshi Nohara calmly met his gaze, remaining silent and waiting for what was to come.

“Information cocoon.” Nobuhiko Sakata slowly uttered these four words, as if savoring the profound meaning they contained. “What we need to do is to tailor-make the ‘cocoon’ that different audiences are most willing to accept, and then, like silk threads, weave the information we want to convey into it unconsciously.”

He looked at Takada and Asumi, emphasizing his words: "You need to get your people moving immediately. Conduct audience profiling analysis on all our programs. Who are the people who like to watch 'Super Transformation'? They are housewives and families with children. So, the promotional videos inserted into the programs should emphasize President Shimadzu's approachable image, his emphasis on family, and his focus on community building."

Takada Toshihide immediately understood and added, "I understand. Most people who enjoy watching late-night anime are young people with progressive ideas, full of hope for the future but also feeling lost. So the content we push should highlight President Shimadzu's policy platform of determined reform, economic revitalization, and creating opportunities for young people."

Asumi quickly followed up: "As for female viewers who watch romance dramas and family dramas, they are more emotional and more concerned about social security and welfare. We can produce some soft promotional short films that tell the story of how Shimadzu President helps vulnerable groups and how he is committed to improving the social status of women. We can move them with emotional resonance."

“Absolutely right!” Nobuhiko Sakata slapped the table in satisfaction. “That’s the idea! We need to make the promotional content a part of the program, a story that the audience is interested in, a part of their lives. Instead of a rigid advertisement placed in front of them.”

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara again: "Nohara-kun, you proposed this theory, so I hope you can oversee the overall direction for its implementation. You're the person in our station who understands audience psychology best." Hiroshi Nohara finally spoke, his voice still steady: "Does the director mean we need to establish a cross-departmental 'Campaign Publicity Content Planning Team,' jointly led by myself, Deputy Director Takada, and Deputy Director Asumi, to integrate publicity resources from all programs and formulate publicity strategies and specific copywriting for different directions?"

"As expected of you, you understand immediately." Nobuhiko Sakata laughed. "I will personally lead this team. The three of you will be deputy leaders. Immediately draw the most elite personnel from the Production Bureau, the News Bureau, and the Editorial Bureau. I need you to produce the first detailed execution plan within three days."

"clear."

"clear."

"understood."

The three answered in unison, their expressions serious. This was no longer an ordinary program planning meeting, but a pre-battle mobilization concerning the future of the television station and an important election. Inside the office, a war without gunpowder had begun.

After a brief silence, Hiroshi Nohara asked a crucial question: "Director, when exactly is the election scheduled?"

Nobuhiko Sakata picked up his teacup, blew on the floating tea leaves, and said slowly, "Judging from the current outcome of the various parties' negotiations, it should be in the second half of the year. The specific voting date will most likely be at the end of September or the beginning of October."

Hiroshi Nohara quickly calculated in his mind that there were still more than half a year left from now until September.

“There is plenty of time,” Hiroshi Nohara said. “Following the ‘information cocoon’ model we just discussed, if we continue to cover information intensively, layeredly, and from multiple angles for more than six months, it will be enough to build a very three-dimensional and highly favorable image of President Shimazu in the minds of most television viewers. This kind of subtle influence is more effective than any last-minute publicity campaign.”

Takada Toshihide wholeheartedly agreed: "That's right. When the election officially begins, many voters probably won't be able to explain why they support President Shimazu. They'll just feel that this person is familiar and friendly, and that what he says makes a lot of sense. Our propaganda has already become part of their own understanding."

"This is the ultimate level of publicity," Asuka concluded, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

For any media professional, being able to participate in and lead such a large-scale public opinion shaping project is itself a highly challenging and rewarding experience.

Nobuhiko Sakata looked at the three pillars of the television station with satisfaction. The new TV Tokyo, against the backdrop of the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, had become a cohesive force.

He put down his teacup, then changed the subject again, this time focusing his gaze entirely on Hiroshi Nohara.

"Hiroshi, we'll work together to advance political matters. But you can't neglect your own duties either. Besides, your harvest season will be here soon."

Hiroshi Nohara was slightly taken aback: "What does the director mean?"

"The selection process for the major awards is underway." Nobuhiko Sakata's sly smile returned. "The selection process for the Japan Academy Prize, the Mainichi Film Awards, and our own Tokyo Drama Awards has already begun this year."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone carrying an undeniable expectation.

"Last year, your 'Yamishibai,' 'Tales of the Unusual,' and 'Super Transformation' were all submitted for approval, and they should have won many awards, bringing great honor to TV Tokyo. Unfortunately, this year, your two groundbreaking works, 'Seven Samurai' and 'Hachiko Monogatari,' as well as the phenomenal TV series 'Midnight Diner,' can only be submitted next year, otherwise they would have definitely swept all the lecture halls."

Nobuhiko Sakata's eyes became meaningful: "So, you need to be prepared. When the time comes, not only you, but your 'Nohara Independent Production Department,' your entire team, will have to put on their most presentable suits, be ready to walk the red carpet, and receive the honor that belongs to you. This is not only your personal glory, but also the best opportunity for TV Tokyo to showcase our production capabilities to all of Japan and even the world."

Takada Toshihide and Asumi also looked at Nohara Hiroshi, their eyes filled with anticipation and a hint of envy.

Everyone present understood the weight of Nobuhiko Sakata's words.

This is not just a notification, but a promise and an endorsement. It means that the television station will use all its resources to lobby and promote Hiroshi Nohara's work in the selection of various awards.

Hiroshi Nohara listened quietly, his face showing little emotion, as if the impending honors were merely a pre-planned event on his schedule.

He nodded, his tone as calm as ever, yet carrying a convincing power.

"No problem, Chief. I'll have everyone ready."

……

When Hiroshi Nohara pushed open the door to the Independent Production Department office, sunlight streamed in obliquely through the gaps in the blinds, being sliced ​​into countless thin beams by the floating dust particles in the air, like a silent tribute, gently filling the entire space.

The air was filled with a faint aroma of coffee and the smell of ink from paper, mixed with a burning emotion called "hope".

Kitagawa Yao was standing in front of the filing cabinet, tiptoeing to organize the files on the top shelf. Hearing the door open, she turned around, a smile brighter than the sun spreading across her face, her hair drawing a graceful arc in the blink of an eye.

"Minister, you're back." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a wind chime.

"Hmm." Hiroshi Nohara unbuttoned the top button of his suit jacket and casually placed his briefcase on his desk, his movements revealing a calmness born of years of experience. "Yao-chan, could you please call all four section chiefs over here: Hashimoto, Yamamoto, Sato, and Tanaka? Have them come to me right now."

"Yes, I'll contact them right away." Kitagawa Yao didn't ask any more questions and immediately turned to walk towards the phone. Her high heels tapped on the floor, making a crisp and rhythmic sound, the most beautiful march in the office.

Before long, the office door was pushed open again, and figures walked in, making the sunlit space even more lively.

The first to enter was Kenji Sato, the section chief of the Second Section who became famous overnight because of "Midnight Diner." His face was beaming with joy, like a ripe apple, so red that it was almost overflowing with honey.

He walked with a lighter gait than usual, exuding an irrepressible air of confidence and high spirits.

Following closely behind is Takeshi Yamamoto, the head of the drama department, who is in charge of the phenomenal "Tales of the Unusual".

He was a bit older, but his steps were steady. He looked at Kenji Sato with a hint of barely perceptible satisfaction and approval, like an old brother watching his friend finally make a name for himself.

The variety show section chief, Kei Tanaka, and the animation section chief, Ichiro Hashi, came in together.

Kei Tanaka has a naturally smiling face, with the corners of his mouth always turned up. Although his department is not as star-studded as the drama department, the variety show "Super Transformation" which is participated in by the whole nation is the strongest money-making machine in the entire production department.

Hashimoto Ichiro, on the other hand, seemed somewhat silent. This animator, who was in charge of the bizarre style of "Yamishibai," always had an artist's temperament that was out of place with his surroundings. But today, his eyes, which were always somewhat melancholy, also shone with a hint of genuine joy.

"Minister!" Kenji Sato couldn't help but exclaim as soon as he entered, "Midnight Diner got an 18.7% viewership rating this morning! I still feel like I'm dreaming! My head is still spinning!"

Tanaka Kei exaggeratedly patted his chest and laughed, "Sato-san, you're going to steal my job. Many variety show departments in our production bureau work hard for a season, and if the ratings break 15%, they're going to celebrate with champagne. But you, with a late-night drama, have already skyrocketed to the top in the first episode."

Yamamoto Takeshi smiled gently and patted Sato on the shoulder: "This is one of the benefits of following Captain Nohara. Get used to it. Captain Nohara's talent is simply unmatched!"

"Of course, following Nohara-sama has really made me famous! A lot of people have contacted me!" Although Sato Kenji spoke modestly, his smile grew even brighter. "To be honest, I didn't expect it to be this high. I thought 12% would be a huge success. People even asked me how I got the shot, and all I could say was that it was Nohara-sama who knew!"

Hashimoto Ichiro, arms crossed, leaned against the door and spoke up, a rare occurrence for him: "I've seen the sample footage. That unique atmosphere is something rarely seen on television these days. It's no wonder it's successful."

Kei Tanaka burst into laughter, "Looks like our independent production department is about to produce another masterpiece this year!"

A hint of regret flashed across Kenji Sato's smile. He sighed and said, "It's a pity, the broadcast time is too late. The deadline for submitting applications for this year's major TV drama awards has already passed. 'Midnight Diner' won't make it."

Yamamoto Takeshi nodded in agreement: "Yes, the application period for the Academy Awards ended last month, as did the Tokyo Drama Awards. Otherwise, with the quality of 'Midnight Diner' and its premiere ratings, winning the Best New Director Award or a nomination for the Best Drama Award would have been a sure thing."

"Who says otherwise?" Kei Tanaka shrugged. "These judges are always so slow to realize things. By the time they figure it out next year, it'll be too late. But it's good though, at least we've gathered our strength, and next year we'll go straight for the grand prize!"

"The grand prize of the year..." Kenji Sato murmured to himself, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

The office was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, a shared joy for a common victory, and a shared regret for the slight imperfection.

This is a pure happiness belonging to the creator.

Hiroshi Nohara remained silent, listening quietly with a faint smile on his lips.

He waited until the commotion subsided before gently tapping the table with his knuckles, producing two crisp sounds.

All eyes immediately turned to him.

"The reason I called everyone here today is indeed about the awards." Hiroshi Nohara's voice was not loud, but it had a calm and reassuring power that put everyone at ease.

He glanced around at the four section chiefs he had personally selected, his gaze lingering on each of their faces for a moment.

"However, it's not for 'Midnight Diner'."

Everyone was somewhat surprised to hear this.

Hiroshi Nohara continued, "Hashimoto, Yamamoto, Sato, and Tanaka, you four go back and select five of the most core production staff members from your respective departments."

He paused, giving them time to process it, and then announced, word by word:
"Then, take them with you to the awards ceremony."

The entire office fell silent for a second.

Immediately following was the sound of suppressed gasps.

"An awards ceremony...?" Kenji Sato's eyes widened like saucers. He was the first to react, and his voice stammered, "Minister, which awards ceremony...?"

“More than one.” Hiroshi Nohara leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped in front of him, his posture composed. “Get your best suits and formal wear ready. We’ll be very busy for the next month.”

Tanaka Kei excitedly took a step forward, almost leaning on Nohara Hiroshi's desk: "Minister, stop keeping us in suspense and tell us already!"

Hiroshi Nohara's gaze swept over the four faces filled with anticipation and excitement, and he slowly said, "Three days later, it's the Japan Academy Film Prize."

"Five days later is the [Daily Film Grand Prize]."

"Then, at the end of this month, it will be this year's Tokyo Drama Awards."

A string of names that are household names in the Japanese film and television industry were casually uttered by Hiroshi Nohara, yet they exploded like bombshells in the small office.

The expressions on the faces of the four section chiefs quickly shifted from initial surprise to ecstasy, and finally to a shock bordering on disbelief.

"The Academy Awards... Mainichi Film Awards... and the Tokyo Grand Prix, which was established this year, with our TV Tokyo, Tokyo City and Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the Kanto region co-produced..." Yamamoto Takeshi's voice trembled slightly. As a veteran television drama producer, he knew all too well the weight of these three awards: "Minister, you mean... we... we have a nomination?"

“It’s not just one nomination,” Hiroshi Nohara corrected. “It’s many.”

"Wow—!" Tanaka Kei couldn't hold back any longer, clenching his fist and letting out a cheer: "I knew it! I knew 'Tales of the Unusual' would be a hit!"

Kenji Sato, his face flushed with excitement, exclaimed, "Although we missed 'Midnight Diner,' our department has other projects! That's great! That's great!"

Hashimoto Ichiro's tense face relaxed completely at this moment, his lips couldn't help but turn up, and his eyes gleamed with an unusual light.

"Yamamoto," Hiroshi Nohara said, looking at his old subordinate, "Tales of the Unusual have received quite a few nominations at the Academy Awards this year. How many do you think we can win?"

Takeshi Yamamoto took a deep breath, trying to calm his excited emotions. His brain began to work at high speed, and the calmness and judgment of a professional producer once again took over.

"Minister, the quality of the episodes in this year's 'Tales of the Unusual' is very high. As for the scripts, I think we are extremely competitive for the 'Best Script Award,' especially the episodes 'Grandma' and 'The Vending Machine Man,' which have received rave reviews and critical acclaim."

He paused, his eyes sharpening: "And there are the acting awards. Ms. Miho Nakayama's performance in the 'Late Lover' segment was absolutely stunning, completely breaking away from her previous idol image. I think she's a strong contender for 'Best Actress'!"

“That’s right!” Tanaka Kei immediately chimed in. “The newspapers all said that Ms. Nakayama’s performance was heartbreaking and is her representative work this year! If she doesn’t win the ‘Best Actress’ award, who will?”

"Furthermore, Mr. Ken Oo, whom we invited, gave a textbook performance in 'Another Me':" Takeshi Yamamoto continued, "Although he was only the lead in a unit drama, with his experience and acting skills, it's not impossible for him to compete for 'Best Actor'! Even if he doesn't, a nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor' should be a sure thing."

Kenji Sato, who was listening with great enthusiasm, couldn't help but interject, "And what about 'Best TV Series of the Year'? Section Chief Yamamoto, 'Tales of the Unusual' is the king of talking points this year!"

Takeshi Yamamoto pondered for a moment, his expression turning serious: "This is the most difficult. This year's competition is very strong. Fuji TV's 'Love of Mount Fuji' is on a roll, almost a social phenomenon. Although we are just as good in terms of reputation and creativity, we may be slightly inferior in terms of national popularity. However, I think it is very possible to win a 'Special Award' to recognize our innovation in the form of the drama!"

The conversation then turned to Hashimoto Ichiro, and Hiroshi Nohara asked him with a smile, "Hashimoto, what about you? Although 'Yamishibai' is a niche film, the Mainichi Film Awards highly value artistry and avant-garde elements."

Hashimoto adjusted his glasses, his gaze behind the lenses revealing a stubborn confidence: "Minister, the Mainichi Film Awards have the 'Noburo Ofuji Award,' which specifically rewards experimental and innovative animated works. The kamishibai style and the creation of a terrifying atmosphere in 'Yamishibai' are unique among all the anime this year. We're not just here to be runners-up; we're here to win."

His words contained no boasting, only a calm statement of facts, yet they were more powerful than any grand pronouncements.

"Well said!" Tanaka Kei clapped his hands vigorously. "That's the spirit we need! What about our variety show class? Manager, do we have a chance in the Tokyo Drama Awards?"

Hiroshi Nohara laughed and said, "Super Transformation has stable ratings and a good audience base. Although it's not easy for variety shows to win awards, it's not impossible. TV Tokyo has already submitted your application for the 'Best Program Award,' so it depends on the judges' tastes."

"A nomination is a victory!" Kei Tanaka smiled contentedly. "Being able to take my brothers down the red carpet and broaden their horizons is better than anything else!"

The atmosphere in the office was incredibly enthusiastic, with everyone dreaming about the glory days to come, three days later, five days later, and at the end of the month.

All the hard work and sweat that usually goes to waste behind the scenes of planning, storyboarding, and editing seems to have borne fruit in advance at this moment.

This is not only an affirmation of a few works, but also the greatest praise for all the members of the "independent production department" who were once marginalized.

It was Hiroshi Nohara who led them to carve out a path full of flowers from a desolate, forgotten place.

Looking at his excited subordinates, Hiroshi Nohara saw their most sincere smiles and their eyes sparkling with the purest love and desire for their work.

A warm feeling welled up in his heart.

Tokyo during the bubble economy era was bustling yet indifferent, where everyone was like a cog in a high-speed machine, struggling for survival and fulfilling their desires. But there were always moments, and certain people, that made you realize that this bizarre city was actually... kind of lovely.

(End of this chapter)