I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 215 Kumamon! A promotional idea from Hiroshi Nohara! The Land of Fire's promotional methods!

The moment Fujiwara Isshin uttered those words, the warm atmosphere in the private room, which had just been ignited by the delicious food and wine, seemed to be suddenly plunged into an ice cellar. Even the neon lights of Kumamoto City outside the window seemed to grow colder through the glass.

Everyone's chopsticks froze in mid-air, and they even unconsciously held their breath.

This is, after all, a topic about the election of county magistrates and mayors. How can ordinary citizens like them get involved?

However, precisely because Fujiwara Isshin was a civil servant working in the prefectural government, and his father was an old-school politician deeply rooted in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Hiroshi Nohara is also a rising star director.

That's different.

Koyama Takasae was still clutching a wet wipe in her hand. She was about to pour Hiroshi a cup of sake when her hand froze in mid-air, her eyes filled with surprise. Governor Koike, that's the big shot in Tokyo, a big figure who appears on TV every day. How could he be involved in such a big thing as the election with her son-in-law?

Mengya's eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape. The excitement she had just felt about not being able to buy an Akita Inu was completely wiped out by this sudden question.

She looked at Fujiwara Isshin, then at Nohara Hiroshi, her mind a jumble, completely unable to grasp how the two could be connected.

Yoshiharu Koyama was the first to come to his senses.

This former dean of students spent his entire life dealing with textbooks and students, and his greatest skill was grasping the key points from the smallest clues.

He put down his wine glass, his rough fingers stroking his chin, his brows slowly furrowing and then relaxing, his eyes first showing doubt, then a flash of sudden realization.

"Oh...oh!" He seemed to suddenly remember something, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty, yet also an irrepressible excitement: "Now that you mention it, I do have a vague recollection! I think I saw it mentioned on the morning news last time, saying that when 'Hachiko Monogatari' was released, Governor Koike went to the theater to see it and publicly praised the film, saying that it 'preserved the warmth of the Japanese people'."

He paused, tapping his fingers on the table as he tried to recall the details: "Later... later there were reports that when Governor Koike went to Akita Prefecture for an inspection, he made a special trip to Hachiko's hometown and even took a photo with the local dog association. At the time, I told Takasae that the governor was quite approachable, actually paying attention to such small cultural matters. Now that I think about it..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning in his eyes couldn't be clearer—there was probably a hint of Hiroshi in it.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Mengya seemed to be awakened by Fangzhi's words, and suddenly slammed her hand on the table, almost shaking the bowl of miso soup in front of her. "I remember now! There was a photo in the newspaper! Governor Koike was standing in front of Hachiko's statue, and there seemed to be people from TV Tokyo next to him! I didn't pay attention at the time, but now that I think about it, my brother-in-law was busy promoting 'Hachiko' back then."

She became more and more excited as she spoke, her speech quickening considerably: "And another thing! A while ago, the school was discussing the Tokyo resident satisfaction survey, and the teacher said that Governor Koike's approval rating had risen particularly fast, more than ten percentage points higher than the same period last year! At the time, some people said that this was related to the 'heartwarming trend' brought about by 'Hachiko,' saying that the people felt that the governor paid attention to this kind of warm culture and was a good official who understood the people's livelihood! So... so there really was something to do with my brother-in-law here?"

As Mengya spoke, her eyes sparkled as she looked at Hiroshi Nohara, her admiration for him growing even stronger than when they were discussing manga and movies earlier.

After all, being able to cooperate with the governor is something that not just anyone can do!

All eyes now turned to Hiroshi Nohara.

There was curiosity, anticipation, and a touch of disbelief and trepidation.

Even the usually composed Fujiwara Isshin leaned forward slightly, waiting for his answer.

Hiroshi Nohara, however, appeared remarkably calm.

He picked up the teapot in front of him and poured tea into the cups of Yoshiharu Koyama and Isshin Fujiwara, his movements slow and leisurely, without any hurry.

The warm tea swayed in the porcelain cup, creating tiny ripples, just like his expression at that moment, which remained completely calm.

"That's true." He put down the teapot, picked up his cup, took a small sip, and then slowly spoke.

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a reassuring certainty: "When Governor Koike approached me, it was right at the point when he was preparing to launch his re-election campaign. His team told me that Tokyo residents felt too distant from politicians, believing that many policies were just empty slogans and not being implemented. They wanted to find a way to connect with the people, and they happened to see the script for 'Hachiko,' feeling that the 'waiting' and 'warmth' in the story resonated with the message they wanted to convey."

He paused, tapping the rim of his glass lightly with his fingers: "Actually, I didn't intend to get involved in politics at first. I'm a director, and making good films is my duty. But when Governor Koike's people talked to me, they said something that I think makes a lot of sense. They said that good cultural works have the power to influence society. If we can use this power to make ordinary people feel a little warmth and make them feel that there are still things worth protecting in this city, it's not a bad thing."

"After thinking about it, I realized that the story of 'Hachiko' itself involves both Akita and Tokyo—Hachiko is an Akita dog who waited for his owner in Tokyo for ten years. It would be a perfect opportunity to connect the specialties and culture of the two places, which would not only promote the movie but also help Akita Prefecture boost tourism and make Governor Koike's image more relatable. It was a win-win-win situation, so I agreed."

He spoke casually, as if he were talking about an ordinary job. But everyone present understood.

This is hardly "ordinary"; it is a clever twist of culture, economy, and politics into a single rope, with each end firmly secured.

Yoshiharu Koyama nodded repeatedly, muttering, "Good, good! You don't abandon your profession and you can get things done; that's real skill!"

The look in his eyes when he looked at Hiroshi had changed from "satisfied son-in-law" to genuine "admiration".

Fujiwara Isshin, however, did not show any surprise. Instead, he seemed to have expected this answer and a knowing smile appeared on his lips.

He put down his teacup, his finger tracing circles on the table, his tone tinged with emotion: "I knew it would be like this. Last month, I went to the prefectural government for a meeting and talked about this with my colleagues in Tokyo. They said that Governor Koike's core strategy for this re-election is 'cultural accessibility,' and 'Hachiko: A Dog' is the most crucial move in this strategy."

He looked up at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with seriousness: "People inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government are saying that Governor Koike's approval ratings for this term have risen from barely passing to nearly 80%, and you, Nohara-san, deserve at least 30% of the credit. After all, the ability to turn a film into a bridge connecting politicians and ordinary people is something that can't be found anywhere else in Japan."

"Thirty percent?" Koyama Takasae gasped, almost dropping the wet wipe in her hand. "This...this is too amazing!"

Mengya's eyes widened in amazement: "Brother-in-law, you're even more amazing than those professional political advisors!"

Hiroshi Nohara waved his hand, his face showing no pride: "It's all thanks to everyone's praise. It's mainly because Governor Koike's policies are sound; I just helped find a way that's easier for ordinary people to accept. If the policies themselves aren't good, even the best movie won't help."

Hearing this, Yoshiharu Koyama nodded repeatedly: "That's right! That's how you should be. You can't be arrogant and complacent. Hiroshi's personality is really different from those young people who get carried away as soon as they achieve a little success."

Fujiwara Isshin looked at Nohara Hiroshi's calm and composed demeanor, and his admiration deepened. He knew that being able to remain clear-headed, not greedy for credit, and not act rashly in such a situation was truly admirable.

He smiled, then changed the subject, bringing up a new topic: "By the way, Nohara-san, since you've worked with Governor Koike before, you must have been following the Tokyo city election, right?"

"The Tokyo City election?" Yoshiharu Koyama paused for a moment. "You mean... the election between Mayor Tanaka and your station director, Mr. Shimazu?"

“That’s right.” Fujiwara Isshin nodded, his tone becoming more serious: “Right now, the entire political world in Tokyo is watching this election. Mayor Tanaka Mikami has been re-elected for two terms and has a deep-rooted base, plus the support of many financial groups. Although President Shimazu had a good reputation on television, this is his first time venturing into politics, so it won’t be easy.”

He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with inquiry: "I heard from my friends in Tokyo that this election is currently rife with undercurrents. Mayor Tanaka's side has already started using the media to create momentum, saying that President Shimadzu 'doesn't understand municipal affairs and only knows how to make entertainment.' On the other hand, President Shimadzu's side doesn't seem to have found a good breakthrough yet. Nohara-san, as someone from TV Tokyo and someone who was personally promoted by President Shimadzu, you shouldn't just sit idly by, right?"

The atmosphere in the private room changed again after those words were spoken.

If discussing Governor Koike before was merely a matter of "cooperation," then discussing the Tokyo city election now directly links it to the future of their own station director.

The entire Koyama family watched Hiroshi Nohara with bated breath.

They wouldn't even dare to dream of a political struggle of this magnitude, let alone the possibility that their son-in-law might get involved.

Hiroshi Nohara remained calm.

He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of tuna belly from the plate in front of him, and chewed it slowly, seemingly savoring the freshness of the fish, or perhaps pondering how to answer.

After a while, he swallowed the fish in his mouth, picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, and a faint smile appeared on his face: "Fujiwara-san is quite well-informed."

He paused, then spoke candidly: "President Shimadzu did indeed approach me. He told me that this election wasn't for his own face, but rather to see if he could apply the 'connection' approach of television stations to municipal affairs. For example, how to make it easier for ordinary people to voice their opinions, and how to strengthen connections between communities. These are actually similar to my original intention in creating 'Super Transformation'."

“Then you…” Misae Koyama couldn’t help but ask, her voice tinged with worry: “How do you plan to help him? Will there be any danger? I’ve heard that political struggles are very complicated.”

Hiroshi Nohara glanced at Misae, his eyes softening slightly: "Don't worry, I won't do anything risky. I'm a director; I can only do what I'm good at."

He looked at Isshin Fujiwara, his tone resolute: "The Shimadzu president's campaign team has been talking to me recently about making a series of documentaries about 'the lives of Tokyo citizens.' No slogans, no propaganda, just filming the daily lives of ordinary people—commuters squeezing onto trains in the morning, convenience store clerks on street corners, volunteers taking care of the elderly in the community, and young people who are a bit lost in the bubble economy but are still trying to make a living."

"I want to show everyone through these films that what President Shimadzu cares about is not those vague 'political achievements,' but the real 'people.' Just like when we made 'Midnight Diner,' we used the most authentic life to touch people's hearts."

He smiled, his tone tinged with confidence: "As for Mayor Tanaka's comment that we 'only know how to make entertainment,' it's really nothing. Being able to turn 'entertainment' into a tool to connect people's hearts is a skill in itself. Moreover, what ordinary people want is not those impressive-sounding slogans, but real warmth that they can feel. I'm confident about that."

Fujiwara Isshin's eyes lit up after hearing this.

He raised his glass to Hiroshi Nohara: "What a wonderful idea of ​​'touching people' with life! Nohara-san, I'd like to toast you. If President Shimazu can really use this approach to break through, then this election might actually bring some surprises."

Hiroshi Nohara also raised his glass and clinked it with his: "We just did our best."

After two cups of sake, the tense atmosphere in the private room finally dissipated, and the previous lively atmosphere returned.

Yoshiji Koyama started chatting with Isshin Fujiwara about the local customs and culture of Kumamoto Prefecture, saying he would take them to see Mount Aso next time; Takasae Koyama pulled Misae and Yume aside and talked about trivial matters at home, saying that when Hiroshi and Misae got married, they must have a proper wedding; Yume pestered Hiroshi Nohara, asking him if he could take her to the set of TV Tokyo next time to see the filming location of "Tales of the Unusual".

Hiroshi Nohara responded to each of them, occasionally interjecting with a few words, a gentle smile on his face.

Misae sat beside him, watching him get along well with his family, and felt a warm glow in her heart.

She knew she had chosen the right person.

This man is not only talented and responsible, but more importantly, he always handles everything properly in the most calm and composed way.

Yoshiji Koyama got carried away chatting with Isshin Fujiwara and ended up drinking a bit too much.

Fueled by the alcohol, he grabbed Koyama Takasae's hand, lowered his voice, and whispered in her ear, "Look at these two kids, so calm and collected, ambitious and reserved, they're both very capable. Our Masaya and Misaya are so lucky to have found partners like them."

Koyama Takasae nodded with a smile, her eyes full of relief: "Yes, I used to worry about the children's marriages, but now it seems I was overthinking it. These two young people are not only good to our children, but they are also so promising. Our family's life will definitely get better and better in the future."

"Of course!" Yoshiharu Koyama patted his chest, his face full of pride. "Look at Hiroshi, he's become the head of the TV station at such a young age, and he can work with the governor and the president. His future is limitless! Ichizaki is also a promising young talent in the Ministry of Finance, and he'll definitely rise through the ranks. Our two sons-in-law have really brought honor to our family!"

Koyama Takasae laughed at his words: "You, all you care about is saving face. I think as long as the children are doing well, that's more important than anything else."

“Of course, of course.” Yoshiharu Koyama nodded repeatedly, then couldn’t help but look at Hiroshi Nohara, who was chatting with Yume not far away. His satisfaction was almost overflowing.

On the other side, the three sisters, Masaya, Misaya, and Yumeya, were also chatting enthusiastically.

Masaya tells Misae some funny stories from her school days; Misae, in turn, shares with Masaya some things about her "Future Manga Club"; Yumeya chimes in with jokes, saying that when her older sisters get married, she must give her a big red envelope, and that she wants to go to Tokyo to live with Misae in the future, and also find an internship at her brother-in-law's TV station.

"You, you're always trying to take advantage of others." Meiya smiled and tapped Mengya's forehead. "You can be an intern, but you have to do well in high school first. If your grades aren't good, even your brother-in-law can't just give you special treatment."

"Okay!" Mengya pouted, then immediately smiled. "I'll definitely study hard! Once I get into a university in Tokyo, I can be with my sister and brother-in-law every day!"

As Masaya watched her two younger sisters making a ruckus, a gentle smile appeared on her face.

She turned to look at Hiroshi Nohara, who was chatting with Isshin Fujiwara not far away, and felt very gratified—Misae had found someone who was both capable and caring towards her, and she, as the older sister, was relieved.

The lights in the private room were warm and inviting, while the night outside the window grew increasingly dark, and the lights of Kumamoto City twinkled like scattered diamonds on black velvet.

The dishes on the table were still steaming, and the aroma of sake mingled with the fragrance of the food, filling the air.

Looking at this harmonious scene before him, Hiroshi Nohara felt a warm feeling in his heart.

Having been in this world for so long, he has gone from an ordinary office worker to where he is now, with his own career, Misae, and a group of family members who truly care about him.

He knew that many challenges lay ahead: the Tokyo city elections, internal relations within the television station, and the impending bubble economy crisis.

But he wasn't afraid.

Because he knew he wasn't walking alone.

He has Misae's support, the trust of Koyama's family, and his colleagues in the production department who work alongside him.

As long as we stay true to our original aspirations and do what we should do, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.

……

The warm light in the private room, combined with the slightly intoxicating aroma of sake, made the air feel sticky.

Yoshiharu Koyama was patting Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder, talking about how beautiful the morning mist was at Mount Aso in Kumamoto, while Yume was pestering Misae to ask if the carousel at Tokyo Disneyland was really bigger than the one at Kumamoto Park. The atmosphere was very pleasant.

At this moment, Fujiwara Isshin seemed to have thought of something, and walked towards him with a wine glass in hand.

"Nohara-san, may I speak to you in private?" Fujiwara Isshin's voice was lower than when they were talking about the election.

Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow and lightly rubbed his fingertips on the tablecloth as he put down his chopsticks—he had long noticed that this Ministry of Finance civil servant had something on his mind. When they were talking about Akita Prefecture becoming popular because of "Hachiko," Fujiwara Isshin's fingers had been twirling around the rim of his cup, a small gesture indicating that he was thinking about something.

“Of course.” Hiroshi Nohara stood up, casually tucking Misae’s stray hairs behind her ear, and softened his voice: “You guys eat first, I’ll go to the corridor with Fujiwara-san for some fresh air.”

Misae blinked and nodded, her braid swaying gently. "Don't chat for too long, there's matsutake soup coming up later."

The two walked into the corridor outside the private room. The corridor lights were a warm yellow, reflecting off the carpet like a layer of scattered gold.

Fujiwara Isshin spoke first, his tone a little embarrassed but also full of anticipation: "Nohara-san, I just heard everyone say that 'Hachiko: A Dog' has made Akita Prefecture popular. I... I've actually been wanting to tell you about this."

He paused, then pulled a crumpled notebook from his pocket. When he opened it, he could see that it was filled with dense writing. The top line read "Kumamoto Prefecture Publicity Plan," with an X next to it.

"Although I work in the Ministry of Finance of the prefectural government and deal with financial matters, I am also responsible for local revitalization. Kumamoto has been having a tough time these past few years—Mount Aso is constantly erupting, so tourists are afraid to come; the only local specialties are horse meat and citrus fruits, which can't compare to Akita rice or Hokkaido crab; young people are all going to Tokyo, and several elementary schools in the prefecture have closed down."

As Fujiwara Isshin spoke, his voice lowered, and his fingers tapped lightly on his notebook: "I've mentioned the publicity to my seniors at the prefectural government several times, and they either say 'we don't have the money' or 'the old methods will do,' but if the old methods worked, Kumamoto wouldn't be in this situation. Nohara-san, you're so good at 'connecting,' could you come up with a publicity method for Kumamoto as well? Even if it's just... even if it's just a slight direction."

When he said this, his head was slightly lowered, and he seemed less composed than usual, like a student seeking guidance from a teacher.

Hiroshi Nohara looked at the notebook in his hand, the pages of which were worn and frayed, and knew that this future brother-in-law really cared about his hometown.

Just then, the door to the private room clicked open, and Yoshiji Koyama poked his head out, followed by Sae Takasago and Misae. Even Yume was at the very back, her eyes sparkling.

It turned out that when the two went out, Yoshiji had been listening intently for a few moments, and as soon as he heard "Kumamoto propaganda," he immediately dragged his family out with him.

“Isshin, why don’t you talk to everyone about what’s on your mind!” Yoshiharu walked over, patted Fujiwara Isshin on the shoulder, his tone a mix of reproach and expectation: “Hiroshi, you have to help him out! Kumamoto is our hometown, and it’s hard for us to see it like this.”

Kosa nodded in agreement, still clutching a piece of wagashi she had just taken out of the private room: "Yes, Hiroshi, last time I went back to my parents' house, the old lady next door said that her granddaughter was working in Tokyo and didn't dare to come back for the New Year, saying that she was afraid her classmates would laugh at her for being 'from a volcano.' If you can help Kumamoto get better, our whole family will thank you."

Misae tugged at Hiroshi Nohara's sleeve and whispered, "When I was little, I buried a wishing charm in a shrine in Kumamoto. It said, 'I hope my hometown becomes famous.' Hiroshi, if you have a way, please help them."

Mengya chimed in, standing on tiptoe, and said, "Yeah, brother-in-law! If Kumamoto becomes famous, I can tell my classmates I'm from Kumamoto, and they won't just know about the volcano anymore!"

The group surrounded Hiroshi Nohara, talking all at once, their faces filled with anticipation as the light from the corridor lamps fell upon them.

Hiroshi Nohara stroked his chin, his fingertips brushing against a bit of stubble, a smile playing on his lips.

Actually, when Fujiwara Isshin mentioned Kumamoto earlier, he already had a vague idea in his mind, but now that everyone was urging him, that idea became clearer.

He smiled, leaned back against the corridor railing, and said with certainty, "If we're talking about promoting Kumamoto, I actually have an idea."

"Really?" Fujiwara Isshin suddenly looked up, his eyes shining like stars, almost dropping his notebook. "Nohara-san, tell me quickly! What's the idea? Is it to make a movie or a variety show?"

Yoshiji leaned forward, his ears perked up: "Yeah, Hiroshi, is it going to be a story about Kumamoto like 'Hachiko: A Dog'? Kumamoto has lots of old stories, like the samurai from the Sengoku period..."

Hiroshi Nohara shook his head, interrupting Yoshiji: "It's not about making a movie or a variety show." He paused, looking at everyone's curious eyes, and slowly said, "If we're going to do it, let's do something that everyone will remember—let's start by talking about Kumamoto's history. Everyone knows that Kumamoto used to be called the 'Land of Fire' because of Mount Aso; and because the former lord liked bears, there are bear sculptures everywhere, even the prefectural emblem has bear elements, right?"

Takasae nodded: "Yes! When I was little, I went to the shrine with Misae and the others and touched the nose of the bear statue. They said it would bring good luck."

“That’s right.” Hiroshi Nohara traced the railing lightly with his finger: “Akita has Akita dogs, Hokkaido has polar bears, but what does Kumamoto have that people can remember at a glance? Volcanoes are too dangerous, horse meat isn’t for everyone, and citrus fruits are common. How about… we start with ‘bears’ and design a cute pet-themed ambassador?”

"Adorable pet ambassador?" The whole Xiaoshan family was stunned when they heard this.

Yoshiji opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything for a long time, and the wine glass in his hand wobbled; Takasae almost dropped the wagashi in her hand.

Misae blinked and repeated softly, "Cute pets? You mean...like cartoon characters?"

Mengya's eyes widened even more: "Brother-in-law, you mean... make a cartoon bear character? But will a cartoon character work? Will people like it?"

Only Fujiwara Isshin wasn't stunned. He frowned and thought for a while, then his eyes suddenly lit up, and he slammed his notebook shut: "I know! Nohara-san, you want to learn from the United States? When I went to the United States for research before, I saw that many Hollywood movie characters were made into dolls, and NBA teams all have their own mascots, such as the little bear of the Los Angeles Lakers, which many children like."

He became more and more excited as he spoke, gesturing with his fingers in the air: "And those Disney cartoon characters, didn't they also rely on their cute images to make the whole world know about Disney? Do you want Kumamoto's ambassador to attract everyone's attention with 'cuteness' just like those characters?"

Hiroshi Nohara nodded, his tone approving: "Fujiwara-san is right. Young people and children these days like cute things. Kumamoto used to be perceived as too 'old,' either as the danger of volcanoes or the seriousness of old samurai. But if there's a cute animal image, those old impressions can be changed—when people see this image, they'll think of Kumamoto, think of Kumamoto's good qualities, and gradually they'll be willing to come and travel, and willing to buy Kumamoto's specialties."

Fujiwara Isshin stepped forward, his tone urgent: "Nohara-san, please tell me in detail! How exactly should this character be made? Should it be made into an anime character, or a doll? Should we design a story for it?"

Yoshiji also realized what was going on and slapped his thigh: "That's right, Hiroshi! Tell me quickly, what should this bear look like? Should it wear a hat? Wear clothes?"

Seeing everyone's eagerness, Hiroshi Nohara smiled and slowly said, "Let's call this character 'Kumamon'. It's simple, easy to remember, and you'll know it's from Kumamoto as soon as you hear it. As for its appearance, it should be chubby and round, that's what makes it cute—the body should be black, the belly and face should be white, the eyes should be round, the nose should be big, and it would be best to have some blush, so that it looks silly and makes people want to laugh as soon as they see it."

He paused, then added, "We also need to design some minor flaws for it, such as being a little clumsy, falling down often, or forgetting things. This makes it more realistic and endearing. For example, let it participate in an event and get lost; or let it try to hand out flyers but lose them. These little incidents will make people feel that it is not a cold, impersonal character, but a living, breathing 'friend'."

"And then?" Misae tugged at Hiroshi Nohara's sleeve, her eyes full of anticipation. "Having an image isn't enough, is it? We also need to let everyone know about it."

“Of course.” Hiroshi Nohara nodded. “The first step is to finalize the image of Kumamon and make posters, plush toys, and keychains, and place them in Kumamoto’s train stations, shrines, and shops so that locals can get to know him. The second step is to collaborate with a TV station to make some short animations, just a few minutes long, about Kumamon’s daily life in Kumamoto, such as taking a walk at the foot of Mount Aso, eating horse meat sashimi, and helping fruit farmers pick tangerines. This way, we can showcase Kumamoto’s scenery and specialties, and also make the image of Kumamon more deeply rooted in people’s hearts.”

He looked at Isshin Fujiwara and said seriously, "The third and most important step is to let Kumamon 'go out'. Go to big cities like Tokyo and Osaka to participate in events, such as taking photos with passersby in subway stations, interacting with children in schools, and even participating in events in other prefectures, so that everyone knows 'Kumamoto has Kumamon.' We can also collaborate with companies, such as printing Kumamon on snack packaging and its image on clothing. In this way, Kumamon will unknowingly enter everyone's lives."

“More importantly,” Hiroshi Nohara paused, a deeper meaning in his eyes, “we need to make Kumamon ‘warm.’ For example, if someone comes to Kumamoto for tourism and encounters difficulties, Kumamon can step in to help; or if there are any public welfare activities in the prefecture, Kumamon can take the lead in participating. In this way, when people see Kumamon, they will think of Kumamoto’s enthusiasm and goodness, and gradually develop a good impression of Kumamoto—this kind of ‘subtle and pervasive’ approach is more effective than hard-sell advertising.”

After Hiroshi Nohara finished speaking, the corridor was quiet for a while. Everyone looked at him, their eyes filled with surprise and excitement.

Yoshiji Koyama had long since put down his wine glass. He opened his mouth, speechless for a long time, before finally muttering, "Hiroshi... your idea is amazing! How come I never thought of a bear's image being able to do so much?"

Koyama Takasae wiped her eyes, her voice slightly choked: "If that really could happen, then Kumamoto would be saved... The fruit farmers on my mother's side would no longer have to worry about not being able to sell their tangerines."

Misae held Hiroshi Nohara's hand, her eyes sparkling: "Hiroshi, you're amazing! I can already picture what Kumamon looks like, it must be so cute!"

Mengya jumped up and grabbed Fujiwara Isshin's arm: "Brother-in-law! When are we going to start making them? I want to be the first to buy a Kumamon plushie!"

Only Fujiwara Isshin remained silent. He frowned, opened his notebook again, and quickly jotted something down, the pen scratching on the paper.

After a while, he put down his pen, looked up, his eyes shining, and his voice trembling slightly: "Nohara-san, your idea... is brilliant!"

He excitedly grabbed Hiroshi Nohara's arm: "The promotional plans I came up with before, like making a documentary or holding a trade fair, were all too old-fashioned and nobody wanted to watch them. But your Kumamon has captured the essence of Kumamoto and catered to modern tastes—young people will love its cuteness, children will see it as a friend, and even the elderly will find it endearing. In this way, Kumamoto's image has completely changed, from 'the land of dangerous volcanoes' to 'a place with cute Kumamon,' and naturally, everyone will want to come!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, almost tearing the notebook in his hand: "I'll go back to the county office tomorrow and submit this proposal! Even if the seniors at the county office disagree at first, I'll convince them! Nohara-san, don't worry, I will definitely make Kumamon a hit and let everyone know about Kumamon!"

Seeing his excited expression, Hiroshi Nohara smiled and said, "Don't rush. The plan still needs to be refined. For example, the specific image of Kumamon, the content of the animation, and the arrangement of the activities all need to be carefully considered. In addition, we need to cooperate with local businesses and TV stations, which will take time."

“I know!” Fujiwara Isshin nodded, his tone full of enthusiasm: “I will take it one step at a time and will never be impatient for quick success. Nohara-san, thank you so much this time. If it weren’t for you, I might still be struggling with those old plans.”

Yoshiji also came over, patted Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder, and said with gratitude, "Hiroshi, you're not only our son-in-law, but also a benefactor of Kumamoto! If you ever come back to Kumamoto, I'll definitely take you to the best izakaya and let you drink to your heart's content!"

Kosae chimed in, "Yeah, Hiroshi, if Misae ever bullies you, just tell me, and I'll teach her a lesson for you!"

Misae blushed and whispered, "Mom, I would never bully Hiroshi!"

Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere in the corridor became lively again.

Yumeya pulled Fujiwara Isshin along and started discussing whether Kumamon should wear a scarf; Yoshiji and Takasae were discussing whether to find a carpenter to make a wooden Kumamon sculpture to put at home; Hiroshi Nohara looked at this harmonious scene and felt warm inside.

He knew that it was uncertain whether the idea of ​​Kumamon would come to fruition, as it still needed to be approved by the county government and faced various uncertainties.

But at least now, everyone sees hope and has the motivation—and this hope and motivation may be the first step in making Kumamoto better.

Just then, the waiter in the private room poked his head out and said respectfully, "Gentlemen, the matsutake soup is ready. Would you like it served now?"

"Yes! Of course!" Fang Zhi immediately said, pulling everyone towards the private room. "Let's eat and chat, and talk about Kumamon!"

As the group entered the private room, the aroma of matsutake mushroom soup wafted towards them.

Hiroshi Nohara sat next to Misae, watching her sip her soup with a happy smile on her face.

He suddenly realized that everything he had done, whether it was making movies or designing Kumamon, was actually for this simple happiness—to make the people around him happy and to let more people see the beauty of life.

While drinking soup, Fujiwara Isshin wrote something in his notebook, occasionally glancing up to discuss a few words with Nohara Hiroshi, his eyes full of enthusiasm; Yoshiji and Takasa chatted about the future of Kumamoto, their faces full of anticipation; Yumeya was drawing Kumamon on the side, her drawing crooked but very serious.

The night outside the window grew darker, and the lights of Kumamoto City shimmered like scattered diamonds on black velvet.

The warm light in the private room, combined with the aroma of food and everyone's laughter, created a cozy scene. Looking at all this, Hiroshi Nohara suddenly had an idea.

Perhaps in the future, Kumamon will not only make Kumamoto famous, but will also become a link connecting more people, just like in "Super Transformation", making everyone closer because of a cute image.

He picked up his chopsticks, placed a piece of matsutake mushroom in Misae's bowl, and said softly, "Eat more to nourish your body."

Misae looked up at him and smiled, her eyes curving into crescents: "You eat too, Hiroshi."

Hiroshi Nohara nodded, looking at the matsutake mushrooms in his bowl, then at the people beside him, feeling a sense of peace. He knew that the road ahead was long and there was much to do, but as long as these people were by his side, and with this love for life, nothing could defeat him.

Meanwhile, in some corner of Kumamoto, perhaps some are already hoping that the adorable character called "Kumamon" can bring a different future to this city.

P.S.: Updates have been a bit less frequent lately, but I'll resume two updates a day starting tomorrow! Please feel free to offer any suggestions! Also, if you like slice-of-life content, please let me know! And I'm shamelessly asking for votes too~ Thank you so much~
(End of this chapter)