novelraw Chapter 172: Japan's Four Major Awards! Invitation to the Banquet! Recognition from the Government!
Chapter 172: Japan's Four Major Awards! Invitation to the Banquet! Recognition from the Government!
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"Breaking fifty billion box office, still hopeful to break through seventy billion box office?" Nohara Hiroshi looking at the speculation on it, the corners of his mouth also revealed a smile.
This good start of 1991 is indeed not bad.
Although he already knew the sensation 'Seven Samurai' stirred up in the Nippon film and television circle in his previous life, as well as being considered far-reaching in influence, counting as the pillar work of Akira Kurosawa becoming a famous director.
But didn't expect coming to this parallel world's Nippon, it is equally a invincible existence.
But thinking about it also makes sense.
Culture is all the same culture, just slightly different in details, but ultimately still Nippon culture.
The sensation of the previous life, of course can also be replicated to this world.
The previous 'Yamishibai', 'Tales of the Unusual' and 'Kasou Taishou', actually already proved this point.
"Not bad." Nohara Hiroshi nodded. "Hahahaha! Hiroshi! More than just not bad!" And right at this time, Kurosawa Eiji's voice also came from outside the door.
He actually also came to Nohara Hiroshi's department.
Instantly causing a commotion among those newly joined department members again, looking at Kurosawa Eiji their gazes all carried fanaticism and worship, after all Kurosawa Eiji this open and aboveboard famous director, is similarly in many people's hearts, a unique, god-like worshipped idol!
"Director Kurosawa." Nohara Hiroshi immediately greeted.
"En. You brat, truly gave us substantial face ah!" Kurosawa Eiji smiled, pulling out a thick stack of reports from the briefcase in his embrace, handing it to Nohara Hiroshi.
"This is the box office data of all movies premiering in the Christmas slot and New Year slot, that my friend in the Film and Television Association just sent me." Kurosawa Eiji's voice carried a trace of imperceptible trembling, yet full of unsuppressible excitement: "I want to see, in front of 'Seven Samurai', those so-called 'blockbusters', can still jump around until when!"
Nohara Hiroshi received the report, that was a, full thirty-page, detailed box office statistical table.
He casually flipped through a few pages, in those clear eyes, flashed a trace of understanding.
On the report, impressively printed thirty movies, premiering in the Christmas and New Year slots.
First place, without a doubt, is 'Seven Samurai'!
Cumulative box office: 3.98 billion yen!
Second place, is a romance movie named 'Yada Ayaka's Love'.
Cumulative box office: 1.9 billion yen.
The subject matter of this movie fits the romantic atmosphere of Christmas and New Year, and has popular idol Yada Ayaka starring, being able to achieve nearly two billion box office, is also considered within reason.
After all, Nippon's movie box office, is the hottest during holidays. Once the holiday ends, the box office will sharply decline.
And 'Seven Samurai' in a short twenty-two days, reaching such a terrifying number, is undoubtedly telling everyone, it has completely broken the curse of this "holiday effect"!
Nohara Hiroshi continued to flip downwards.
Third place, is an urban crime film, cumulative box office 1.2 billion yen.
Fourth place, is a campus youth film, cumulative box office 1.05 billion yen.
Fifth place, is a heartwarming family film, cumulative box office 1.03 billion yen.
The remaining movies, box office are mostly below one billion yen, even many, haven't even broken through one hundred million yen, having long been eliminated by the market early on.
He looked at this report, the corners of his mouth hooking up a playful arc.
He knew, this box office war, had completely, ended with the complete victory of 'Seven Samurai'!
"Heavens! The box office of 'Seven Samurai', is actually more than twice the second place?!" Tanaka Kei was the first unable to hold back, exclaiming out loud, he looked at that report, on that serious face, written full of unbelievable shock!
And right behind him, others also leaned over looking at the data on it, especially the current three section chiefs of the Nohara Production Department, were even more stretching out their necks looking.
"Worthy of being Department Manager Nohara!" Yamamoto Takeshi's face was written full of pride: "This 'Seven Samurai' of ours, is simply... leaving others in the dust ah!"
"Those so-called 'blockbusters', in front of Nohara-kun's 'Seven Samurai', are simply... unable to withstand a single blow ah!" Hashishita Ichiro also nodded sighing with emotion.
Following their words, the entire department once again plunged into a revelry full of victory and joy.
Anyone would be excited because of following such an excellent department manager.
Sensing a kind of feeling of vanity also because oneself is in this department!
Speaking of it to outsiders also gives face!
However, right at this time, a young employee yet suddenly let out a soft exclamation full of astonishment: "Eh?! You guys quickly look! The twenty-third place! The twenty-third place is actually... is 'Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree'?!"
This name instantly aroused more people's curiosity.
Including Asumi.
Also looked over.
"Oh?" Then the corners of his mouth curled up, eyes full of teasing: "Twenty-third place?"
'Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree'!
That "big production" claiming to have invested three hundred million, promotional fees even more reaching an astronomical figure!
That "timeless classic" placed high hopes upon by Takada Toshihide, used to crush 'Seven Samurai'!
That "new era samurai film" starring popular idol Kamiki Shunsuke!
Actually... actually only ranked in twenty-third place?!
"Hahahaha! Laughing me to death! Twenty-third place?!" Tanaka Kei was the first unable to hold back, laughing out loud unrestrainedly, he pointed at that name on the report, tears almost shooting out: "That movie of theirs, final box office able to break five hundred million yen would be thanking heaven and earth! As for those promotional fees definitely all went down the drain!"
Yamamoto Takeshi also coldly sneered, on that tough face, written full of undisguised disdain: "Just relying on Kamiki Shunsuke that sissy? The samurai he plays is just a joke!"
Hashishita Ichiro also nodded: "This movie is hopeless."
Until now ranked twenty-third place.
Box office 307 million.
Moreover from the tenth day onwards it stopped increasing.
Wanting to make a comeback, that is simply an impossible matter!
"But speaking of which..." A young employee suddenly stroked his chin, on his face surfacing a playful smile: "That movie, although terribly bad, but after all has Kamiki Shunsuke that pretty boy starring. He is a top idol with tens of millions of fans! Maybe in the Nippon awards two months later, can still mix a nomination to say the least!"
"Hahahaha!"
Once these words came out, the entire office, once again erupted a burst of hearty loud laughter!
Everyone smiled in tacit understanding.
They knew, what this young man said wasn't wrong.
In this era controlled by capital, traffic, is the kingly way.
As long as there is money, as long as there is traffic, even if it is a bad movie, can also be forcefully pushed onto the stage, even, can still mix a nomination on those so-called "awards".
After all, who let that Kamiki Shunsuke, have a capital giant like Kirin Real Estate standing behind him?
And this is precisely the truest and also the cruelest only iron rule of this era.
"Alright alright, stop laughing." Nohara Hiroshi merely peacefully smiled, in those clear eyes, not a slightest ripple arose, as if all this, was just a most normal plot he had long anticipated.
He casually placed the box office report in his hand on the office desk, and then slowly stood up, gaze sweeping across everyone.
"Everyone, continue working." His voice, was flat, yet carrying an unquestionable majesty: "The celebration banquet will be held, but not now. We still have more miracles, waiting for us to create. We still have more opponents, waiting for us to crush."
"Deputy Bureau Chief Asumi, Director Kurosawa." He turned his head, looking at those two: "Let's go to your office to talk in detail. Regarding the awards of the Nippon film circle and television circle, I think it's also time for us to properly plan a bit."
"Good! Good! Good!" Asumi's face was full of gratification: "Hiroshi-kun is right! It's time for us, to let those old geezers, see the strength of our Kanto Faction!"
Kurosawa Eiji also merely smiled, on that weather-beaten old face, at this moment written full of infinite longing for the future.
Whether it is TV dramas or movies.
Viewership ratings are one aspect.
Box office is one aspect.
And awards, are exactly another aspect that producers and directors like them, pay considerable attention to!
...
In Asumi's office, the air was permeated with a faint tea fragrance.
Nohara Hiroshi, Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji the three sat around the coffee table, a just printed document placed on the coffee table.
That is the list of all important awards in the Nippon film circle and television circle.
Asumi picked up the teacup, gently taking a sip, on his face at this moment written full of unsuppressible gratification: "The box office of 'Seven Samurai', has completely, exceeded all our expectations. 3.98 billion yen! This is simply... the milestone of our domestic Nippon movies, nominating this movie, I believe there are no problems."
"Moreover, according to the latest box office trend analysis, breaking through the fifty billion yen mark, is already a certainty. Even, impacting six billion, seven billion, is also not impossible!"
"If 'Seven Samurai' doesn't even have nominations, I think there won't be any movies, daring to participate in award evaluations!"
Kurosawa Eiji also nodded: "This movie 'Seven Samurai', is estimated to have a bumper harvest."
"Then that is wonderful." Nohara Hiroshi merely peacefully smiled, in those clear eyes, not a slightest ripple arose, as if all this, was just a most normal plot he had long anticipated.
"Deputy Bureau Chief Asumi, Director Kurosawa, these are nothing but just the beginning." Nohara Hiroshi opened his mouth to inquire: "Predicting 'Seven Samurai', what awards can it submit for? I'm also unable to wait!"
Box office is certainly important.
But awards, are the ultimate standard, measuring a movie's artistic value and historical status!
If 'Seven Samurai' can win honors at these awards, then, it will not just be a "box office myth", but will even more become a, true sense of "timeless classic"!
Asumi pointing at the document on the coffee table introduced: "The Nippon film circle has four major awards: [Japan Academy Film Prize], [Blue Ribbon Awards], [Kinema Junpo Awards] and [Mainichi Film Awards]. These, are all the targets of our 'Seven Samurai'!"
"As for the television circle..." Asumi paused, on his face surfacing a smug smile: "Besides the [Television Drama Academy Awards] and [Mainichi Film Awards], our TV Tokyo, has also just prepared a brand new award —— [Tokyo Drama Awards]! This award, although newly established, but it represents our TV Tokyo's, highest expectations and prospects for the future television circle!"
"Hiroshi-kun, all your works, whether it is 'Kasou Taishou', 'Tales of the Unusual', or 'Yamishibai', all have the prospect feeling to win honors at these awards!"
Asumi looking at Nohara Hiroshi, in that gaze, full of infinite longing for the future, and also full of absolute trust towards Nohara Hiroshi's god-like ability: "I dare assert! This year's Nippon film circle and television circle, will both become, your Nohara Hiroshi's, exclusive stage!"
Kurosawa Eiji also nodded appreciating: "Yeah, Hiroshi-kun, you this brat, is truly... too awesome! In my life, I have never seen a young man like you, able to achieve such eye-catching achievements in so many fields!"
"However, the biggest problem right now is..."
Kurosawa Eiji's brows slightly wrinkled, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes: "The evaluation of movie awards, is unlike box office, only looking at numbers. It values more, the tastes of the judges, as well as... as well as those, intricate, worldly wisdom and human relations."
He paused, tone heavy: "Especially the [Japan Academy Film Prize], it is jointly voted by the major companies of the Nippon film circle, as well as film practitioners. Those old geezers of the Tokyo Faction, their roots in the film circle, are deep-rooted, and have massive influence ah."
"Yeah."
Asumi also nodded, the smile on his face retracting a bit: "That old fox Takada Toshihide, although he lost terribly in box office, but his qualifications and network in the film circle, are far deeper than our Kanto Faction. He definitely won't watch helplessly as our 'Seven Samurai', sweeps all the awards."
He looking at Nohara Hiroshi carrying a trace of warning: "Hiroshi-kun, you have to be careful. The ensuing battle for awards, won't be as simple as just data like the box office war."
Nohara Hiroshi was actually very clear on this point.
In his previous life he also understood it.
But absolute strength is strength, even if capital can manipulate, but in front of truly good works, capital similarly has to choose to pursue.
That's right, after all good works themselves can bring good capital returns.
After capital weighs the pros and cons.
Can they not flatter?
"Deputy Bureau Chief Asumi, Director Kurosawa, you are overthinking."
Nohara Hiroshi's voice was confident: "Worldly wisdom and human relations, are certainly important. But in this world, there is nothing, more convincing than strength."
He paused, gaze sweeping over the document on the coffee table, a faint smile surfacing on his face: "If they want to play, we will accompany them to play. The more they want to use those underhanded methods, to hinder us. The more we must use the purest strength, the most shocking works, to completely crush them!"
"I'd like to see." The corners of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth hooked into an arc, that gaze, like looking at a group of buffoons: "In front of absolute strength, those so-called 'worldly wisdom and human relations', can stir up how big of a wave!"
Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji exchanged a glance, both seeing a tacit doting in each other's eyes.
"Good!" Kurosawa Eiji vehemently slapped his thigh saying: "Hiroshi-kun is right! Our Kanto Faction, will accompany them to play to the end! I'd like to see, those old geezers, can still jump around until when!"
Asumi also nodded, but with a relaxed tone: "However, this matter is easy to handle after telling Bureau Chief Sakata, after all those guys of the Kanto Faction, no matter how much they mess around, under the situation of facing outsiders unanimously, it's also impossible to go too overboard."
Just as Asumi's voice fell, the office door was gently pushed open.
A figure unhurriedly walked in.
He was dressed in a dark-colored kimono, impeccably tailored, although his temples were already dyed with frost, yet not diminishing in the slightest that majesty and composure belonging to a person in a high position.
"Sure enough, you're all here."
Sakata Nobuhiko, the highest helmsman of TV Tokyo's Production Bureau, at this moment was smilingly slowly walking to the coffee table.
His gaze fell on that award list on the table, and then looked at Nohara Hiroshi, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes.
"Looks like, discussing the matter of awards ah." Bureau Chief Sakata lightly chuckled, voice like a warm spring sun, yet containing unquestionable authority, "No need to discuss, I have already submitted all of Nohara-kun's works. Using the name of TV Tokyo's Production Bureau."
"Bureau Chief!"
Nohara Hiroshi, Asumi, and Kurosawa Eiji almost simultaneously stood up, deeply bowing towards Sakata Nobuhiko.
"All sit." Sakata Nobuhiko waved his hand, gesturing everyone to sit down, and then walked to the main seat slowly sitting down.
Asumi immediately served him a cup of fragrant tea, Sakata Nobuhiko nodded, receiving it gently taking a sip, his gaze falling on Nohara Hiroshi, carrying heartfelt admiration on his face.
"Hiroshi-kun, this time, you have again created a miracle for our TV Tokyo."
In Bureau Chief Sakata's voice, full of appreciation: "The box office of 'Seven Samurai', as well as the social repercussions it triggered, far exceeded my expectations. I even often wonder, how exactly did your brain grow? How can you manage to, in such a short time, successively create so many, and such excellent works? Truly, too awesome."
"Hahahaha!"
Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji upon hearing this, couldn't help but laugh out loud. They knew, Bureau Chief Sakata's words, are the highest praise towards Nohara Hiroshi.
"Bureau Chief you flatter me." Nohara Hiroshi lightly chuckled.
"Flatter?" Bureau Chief Sakata shook his head, the smile on his face retracting a bit, replaced by a profoundness: "No, not flattering at all. Your strength, is fully worthy of all praises."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji, his tone also becoming solemn, "The success of the box office, is certainly gratifying. But the awards Hiroshi-kun mentioned, are equally important. Asumi, your worry just now, I heard it. You are worried those old geezers of the Tokyo Faction, will throw a spanner in the works, hindering Hiroshi-kun from winning awards, right?"
This question was asked directly, and Asumi also answered simply.
"Yes, Bureau Chief." Asumi nodded, the smile on his face retracting a bit: "That old fox Takada Toshihide, his qualifications and network in the film circle, are far deeper than our Kanto Faction. He definitely won't watch helplessly as our 'Seven Samurai', sweeps all the awards."
"Hmph." Bureau Chief Sakata coldly snorted, in those calm eyes, flashed a heart-palpitating cold light: "They won't."
He slowly put down the teacup saying: "Small contradictions can exist, internal struggles can exist, but when facing outsiders unanimously, if anyone dares to stab in the back, I Sakata Nobuhiko, will absolutely not let anyone off!"
"No matter who it is, no matter which faction, as long as they dare to do such a thing shaking the foundation of our TV Tokyo, I will make him, pay the most tragic price!"
These words were spoken extremely seriously.
Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji looking at Bureau Chief Sakata's formidable even without anger face, both saw a deep reverence in each other's eyes.
They knew, Bureau Chief Sakata, truly had murderous intent.
"Bureau Chief is wise!" The two bowed in unison, that voice full of respect.
Bureau Chief Sakata nodded, his gaze once again falling on Nohara Hiroshi, his tone yet again becoming soft.
"Hiroshi-kun, you did very well. Your works, your talent, have received everyone's recognition. So..." He paused, his tone carrying a, resolution sufficient to make anyone feel shocked: "From today onwards, you also don't need to worry about there being a distinction between 'Tokyo Faction' and 'Kanto Faction' in TV Tokyo."
"What?!"
Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji's faces were horrified.
The distinction between factions, this is a "tradition" of decades in their TV Tokyo!
From the day they joined the company, this kind of factional struggle had already seeped into their bone marrow, becoming a part of their work and life.
And now, Bureau Chief Sakata actually personally announced, wanting to erase this factional trace?!
This... this is simply, an unprecedented pioneering feat!
"Yes, you guys didn't hear wrong." Bureau Chief Sakata peacefully looked at the two's shocked expressions, a faint smile surfacing on his face, "Times are changing, our TV Tokyo, must also change together with the times."
"Past factional struggles, certainly have their historical reasons. But now, it has already become the biggest obstacle, hindering our progress. We can no longer be bound by this meaningless internal friction. We should invest all our energy, into the creation of works, into the cultivation of talents, into the future of our TV Tokyo!"
He cast his gaze towards Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of expectations: "And you, Hiroshi-kun, are the future of our TV Tokyo. Your talent, your vision, your works, are all sufficient to lead us, towards a brand new era!"
"So, from today onwards, our TV Tokyo, will take you this new generation as the core, erasing all factional traces. Whether Tokyo Faction, or Kanto Faction, all resources, all talents, will all be used by you. Everyone exerting effort together, jointly initiating, the new era belonging to our TV Tokyo!"
After saying this sentence, Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji both blankly stood at their original spots, those two faces written full of shock.
They never thought, the Bureau Chief they followed for half their lives, would actually make such a huge sacrifice, would actually trust a young man so much!
They knew, these words from Bureau Chief Sakata, are not just affirmation and support for Nohara Hiroshi.
It is even more the most thorough delegation of power and... entrustment to the older generation like them.
"Many thanks for Bureau Chief's cultivation!" Nohara Hiroshi also at this time, bowed deeply towards Bureau Chief Sakata.
He knew the weight of this kindness.
He knew Bureau Chief Sakata, is using his own political life, to pave a smooth road leading to the future for him.
"No need to thank me." Bureau Chief Sakata waved his hand, on his face once again blossoming a mild smile: "This is what you deserve. I only hope, you can exert more effort, create more, for our TV Tokyo, for our Nippon, bringing more, even more excellent works. You, are the cultural hope of our Nippon's new era!"
"Hai! I understand!" Nohara Hiroshi nodded heavily.
"Right, Hiroshi-kun." Bureau Chief Sakata seemingly suddenly thought of something, he picked up the teacup, gently taking a sip, his tone yet becoming relaxed: "I came over today, besides announcing this decision, there is still one more thing, to inform you."
"Tomorrow night, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will hold a banquet celebrating the start of the new year at the 'Kinkaku' club in Ginza. At that time, many celebrities and wealthy and powerful figures will all participate."
"Moreover, His Excellency Fujiwara, also named, hoping you can also participate."
"What?!"
Asumi and Kurosawa Eiji at this time both felt somewhat bewildered, looking at each other, feeling this shock coming wave after wave.
The banquet held by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government?!
And it's at the "Kinkaku" club?!
They were too clear.
This kind of banquet nominally held by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, but actually, is the top-tier social feast in the true sense, that all celebrities and nobles of the entire Greater Tokyo metropolitan area, and even regions occupying 40% of Nippon's economic strength, will participate in!
That is not an ordinary banquet, that is a stage where power and wealth intertwine!
That is not an ordinary invitation, that is the most direct recognition and... recruitment from Nippon's highest power class!
"Hiroshi-kun! You... you could actually receive this kind of invitation?!" In Asumi's voice, carried a trace of unsuppressible envy.
"Yeah! Hiroshi-kun! This... this is simply an unprecedented殊 honor ah!" Kurosawa Eiji was similarly shocked, on that weather-beaten face, written full of heartfelt praise towards Nohara Hiroshi.
They are high-level executives of TV Tokyo, are giants of the Nippon film circle.
But even they, rarely have the opportunity to participate in this level of banquet.
And Nohara Hiroshi, a young man only twenty-three years old, could actually receive such an honor?!
This is simply... unbelievable!
"En." Bureau Chief Sakata looking at the two's shocked expressions, a faint smile surfacing on his face, "This time above designated to bring Hiroshi-kun along. Because Hiroshi-kun's reputation is very prominent recently, and also changed social customs, so above named wanting to cultivate Hiroshi-kun."
He paused, his tone similarly carrying sighing with emotion: "Speaking of which, I am also very envious of him ah. His strength has finally received the recognition from the highest level, for our TV Tokyo, it's also a good thing!"
(End of Chapter)