novelraw Chapter 186: Ten Billion Box Office Evaluation! Nohara Hiroshi's Reminder Towards Traffic and Fandom!
Chapter 186: Ten Billion Box Office Evaluation! Nohara Hiroshi's Reminder Towards Traffic and Fandom!
Very quickly, another month passed by, Tokyo's cherry blossoms although hadn't fully bloomed, but the feeling of spring had already quietly sprouted on the branches.
In this vibrant metropolis, the various programs of Nohara Hiroshi's Independent Production Department, also went online as scheduled, once again setting off waves in the Nippon archipelago.
Nohara Hiroshi sat in the office, the teacup in front of him emitting faint hot air, he looked at that piece of urban skyline outside the window plated with golden colors by the spring sun, eyes profound and composed.
"Department Manager!"
The office door was pushed open, Tanaka Kei, this Section Chief of the Variety Show Production Section of Nohara Hiroshi's Special Production Department, at this moment face overflowing with irrepressible excitement, he almost trot rushing in, waving a document in his hand, like a child who received candy.
Closely following behind was Yamamoto Takeshi, the Section Chief of the TV Drama Production Section, although his paces were steady, but in his eyes also jumped the light of excitement.
The Hashishita Ichiro who walked in last, the Section Chief of the Animation Production Section, then appeared somewhat complex, face carrying a trace of indescribable emotional sighing, but more was respect towards Nohara Hiroshi.
The three people arrived in front of Nohara Hiroshi, uniformly bowing.
"Department Manager!"
"En, all sit." Nohara Hiroshi smilingly signaled, his gaze sweeping over the three people, that composed bearing, made the entire office seem as if enveloped by a formless power. Tanaka Kei was the first to sit down, he couldn't wait shoving the document in his hand in front of Nohara Hiroshi, voice carrying a trace of trembling, that was the embodiment of being excited to the extreme: "Department Manager! 'Kasou Taishou Third Season'! Has gone online! The viewership ratings... the viewership ratings reached 43%!"
He fiercely sucked in a breath, forcibly suppressing the wild joy in his heart, eyes full of frantic worship: "43% ah! Department Manager! This number, even compared to when the second season just started, is still much higher! We can even foresee, this season of 'Kasou Taishou', will inevitably once again sweep across the entire Nippon, becoming a national-level variety show!"
Yamamoto Takeshi also followed sitting down, he took over the topic, tone carrying a trace of pride: "Department Manager, the viewership ratings of 'Tales of the Unusual Third Season' also reached 26%! Although quite inferior compared to 'Kasou Taishou', but this number, among the TV dramas broadcasting in the same period, is already far ahead! Moreover, we received countless feedback from the audience, they all say, the stories of the third season, are even more brilliant than the previous two seasons, even more brain-burning, even more making people unable to stop!"
He paused, a smug smile surfacing on his face:
"Especially the first episode of the third season, that story about 'time loop', even more triggered discussions across all of Nippon! Many audiences are on social media, enthusiastically discussing the ending of the story, even still have people specially writing articles, analyzing the philosophical connotations inside the story! Department Manager, you are truly... too amazing!"
Hashishita Ichiro then appeared somewhat silent, he picked up the teacup on the desk, gently taking a sip, that bitterness, instead far fell short of the taste in his heart at this moment.
He looked at Nohara Hiroshi, a complex smile surfacing on his face: "Department Manager, the viewership ratings of 'Yamishibai Sixth Season', also stabilized at around 15%. Although this number, among your works, cannot be considered especially outstanding, but for a late-night slot horror animation, is already an extremely rare achievement."
He exhaled a long breath, tone full of emotional sighing: "Moreover, we received letters from many young audiences, they all say, 'Yamishibai' has already become an indispensable part of their lives. It isn't only a horror animation, it is even more a unique cultural symbol, an... special existence capable of representing their youth memories."
"Even, we still received copyright purchase intentions from overseas! There are several Southeast Asian television stations, all expressing deep interest towards 'Yamishibai', hoping to be able to import our animation, broadcasting in their countries!" Hashishita Ichiro saying as he did, a proud smile surfacing on his face: "Department Manager, you are truly... too amazing! You actually could make a late-night slot horror animation, to this kind of degree!"
Nohara Hiroshi quietly listened to the reports of the three people, a faint smile from beginning to end hanging on his face. He knew, these achievements, didn't only belong to the hard work of their three Section Chiefs, even more belonged to the entire Independent Production Department, and even the entire TV Tokyo, the result of mutual efforts.
"Not bad, everyone did very well." Nohara Hiroshi softly evaluated, his gaze sweeping over the three people, eyes full of encouragement: "Regardless if it's the national-level heat of 'Kasou Taishou', or the brain-burning suspense of 'Tales of the Unusual', or the overseas expansion of 'Yamishibai', all proved our strength. These are all the result of everyone's mutual efforts, I feel proud for you guys."
His words, like a spring breeze brushing past the hearts of the three people, making their originally exhausted hearts, instantly nourished by a warm current.
"Many thanks for the Department Manager's praise!" The three people uniformly responded, in that voice, full of respect and obedience.
However, Nohara Hiroshi's gaze yet once again fell on Tanaka Kei, eyes carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate "curiosity": "Section Chief Tanaka, I remember the grand finale of previous 'Kasou Taishou' second season, was broadcast during the New Year period right? At that time I was currently busy with the filming of 'Seven Samurai' and 'Hachiko Monogatari', actually missed it. That time's grand finale, how were the viewership ratings?"
Once these words came out, Tanaka Kei who was originally still immersed in joy, that excited smile on his face, instantly stiffened.
He glanced at Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro beside him, a trace of complex emotions flashing in his eyes.
On the faces of Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro, at this moment also surfaced a trace of slightly awkward smile. They mutually exchanged a glance, from each other's eyes seeing the same "awkwardness".
Nohara Hiroshi looking at that "wanting to speak yet stopping" appearance of the three people, felt a burst of amusement in his heart. He knew, within this, inevitably hid some "secrets".
"What? Could it be the viewership ratings of that time's grand finale, were very poor?" Nohara Hiroshi deliberately asked, tone carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate "doubt".
"No! No! No!" Tanaka Kei fiercely shook his head, on that always straightforward face of his, at this moment yet was written full of irrepressible pride, even carrying a trace of mystery: "Department Manager! That time's grand finale, the viewership ratings not only weren't poor, conversely... conversely created a, miracle sufficient to enter the annals of Nippon television history!"
"Oh?" Nohara Hiroshi's eyebrows slightly raised, eyes revealing deep interest.
"Department Manager!" Tanaka Kei deeply sucked in a breath, he glanced at Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro beside him, and then, using a tone bordering on pilgrimage, slowly spoke out that number: "The viewership ratings of 'Kasou Taishou Second Season' grand finale, reached... 47%!"
"47%?!"
Nohara Hiroshi trembled, those clear eyes instantly widened, face written full of unbelievable horror!
He blankly looked at Tanaka Kei, eyes full of shock.
47%! This number, almost already attracted half the Nippon citizens to watch this program!
This is simply... too exaggerated!
He knew, this program 'Kasou Taishou', inherently possessed national-level heat. But viewership ratings of 47%, this is already not an ordinary "national-level", this is simply... god-level viewership ratings!
Representing as long as turning on the television viewing Nippon people, had close to half, watching this program!
"Yeah! Department Manager!" Tanaka Kei excitedly fiercely stood up, he even couldn't help but wave his fists, tone full of irrepressible excitement: "47% ah! This number, almost just... almost suppressed the Kohaku Uta Gassen!"
"Kohaku Uta Gassen?" Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this was slightly blank.
He of course knew Kohaku Uta Gassen.
That is Nippon's national-level program, comparable to the previous life's Huaxia's Spring Festival Gala, broadcast every New Year's Eve, viewership ratings usually all capable of reaching above 50%, even higher.
That was a "national carnival" in the true sense, a cultural grand ceremony capable of condensing all Nippon citizens together!
And the grand finale of 'Kasou Taishou', actually was only lacking 6% in viewership ratings, to be able to catch up to Kohaku Uta Gassen?!
This is simply... hard to believe!
"Yes! Department Manager!" Yamamoto Takeshi also followed standing up, on that arrogant face of his, at this moment also written full of irrepressible excitement: "The viewership ratings of Kohaku Uta Gassen, every year all hovering around 53%. And the grand finale of our 'Kasou Taishou', actually reached 47%! This... this is simply an unprecedented achievement ah!"
"We can even proudly say!" Hashishita Ichiro also followed standing up, on that honest and simple face of his, at this moment also overflowing with wild joy inappropriate for his age: "Our 'Kasou Taishou', has already become in Nippon television history, besides Kohaku Uta Gassen, the variety show with the highest viewership ratings! It has already become a, brand new symbol capable of representing our Nippon culture, walking towards the world!"
The atmosphere inside the office, instantly became impassioned.
The three people looking at Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of frantic worship and respect.
They knew, all of this, was all Nohara Hiroshi's merit.
It was him, who created this miracle.
It was him, who pushed this program 'Kasou Taishou', to an unprecedented height.
"Department Manager Hiroshi! You are truly too amazing!"
Right at this time, from the office doorway, suddenly transmitted a burst of cheering full of pleasant surprise and excitement.
Kitagawa Yao, Minamura Hoshi, Haseji Kakeru, these three young employees who first followed Nohara Hiroshi, at this moment were precisely standing at the office doorway, on their faces, written full of irrepressible fanaticism and excitement.
"Department Manager! Exactly like this! The viewership ratings of the 'Kasou Taishou' grand finale, exactly reached 47%!" Kitagawa Yao was so excited her body slightly trembled, those bright large eyes, even popped out stars.
"Yeah! Department Manager! When it was New Year that time, I was on duty at TV Tokyo, constantly paying attention to the viewership ratings! When the numbers came out that moment, all of us colleagues on duty, all excitedly hugged together crying!" Minamura Hoshi also followed chiming in, on that young face of his, at this moment still carrying a trace of undissipated flush.
"Department Manager! You don't know how sensational it was at that time!" Haseji Kakeru also excitedly said, he even couldn't help but wave the pen in his hand, tone full of irrepressible excitement: "At that time, the social media of the entire Nippon, were all flooded by the 'Kasou Taishou' grand finale! Everyone was discussing the creativity in the program, discussing those moving moments, discussing those farewells full of tears!"
However saying as he did, Haseji Kakeru also abashedly regretfully said: "But following that, it was the born out of nowhere of your 'Seven Samurai', Department Manager, adding to that special public opinion storm regarding 'Samurai' 'class' and 'era', suppressing this news without a trace."
"Department Manager! Although at that time the public opinion disturbance of 'Kasou Taishou' was only merely a few days, but I even saw, even some serious media who usually only read news, all unprecedentedly reported the grand occasion of the 'Kasou Taishou' grand finale! They all said, this program, isn't only entertainment, even more the connection between people, is the warmth of family, is the stage of dreams!" Kitagawa Yao saying as she did, voice also choking up: "Department Manager, you are truly... too amazing! You created a, program capable of making all Nippon citizens go crazy for it!"
"I at that time also heard, those senior predecessors of our TV Tokyo, all inside the offices, excitedly slamming the tables! They all said, our TV Tokyo, being able to have a genius like Department Manager Hiroshi, is our honor! Is our pride!" Minamura Hoshi also excitedly supplemented, on that young face of his, written full of the pride of sharing the glory.
"Yeah! Department Manager! You don't know how many people at that time, were all anticipating you being able to continue creating even more, even more excellent programs! They all said, you are a true 'national producer'!" Haseji Kakeru also excitedly said, he looked at Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of frantic worship: "Department Manager, you are truly... too amazing! You have already become, the role model for all of us young people!"
For a time, the office was full of various praises and marveling sounds.
Everyone was shocked by the grand occasion of the 'Kasou Taishou' grand finale, eyes full of envy and worship.
They knew, Nohara Hiroshi's success, wasn't only his personal glory, even more the glory of the entire Independent Production Department, and even the entire TV Tokyo!
Nohara Hiroshi looking at this group of young people excitedly speaking incoherently in front of him, that composure and confidence on his face, also gradually got replaced by a kind of satisfaction originating from the bottom of his heart.
He exhaled a long breath, in that breath, carrying a trace of emotional sighing, a trace of regret, and also carrying a trace of, infinite longing towards the future.
"Yeah, looks like during the period I was on holiday for the New Year, indeed missed a lot ah." Nohara Hiroshi softly exclaimed, tone carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate "regret".
However, deep in his eyes, yet didn't have the slightest regret.
Exactly the opposite, within those clear eyes, flashed a kind of profound yet clear light.
He knew, this 47% viewership rating, was absolutely no coincidence.
This isn't only the charm of the program itself, even more the massive dividend brought by this era, towards the initial testing of a brand new entertainment model —— "traffic" and "fandom".
In his past life, he witnessed countless stars, programs, and even the entire industry, within the frenzy of "traffic" and "fandom", becoming popular overnight, and also collapsing overnight.
They were like a double-edged sword, able to both bring massive success, and also able to bring destructive backlash.
Now, this parallel world's Nippon, is exactly like a child initially tasting the forbidden fruit, towards this fresh yet powerful model, displaying unprecedented enthusiasm.
"However, Section Chief Tanaka." Nohara Hiroshi's gaze fell on Tanaka Kei, tone suddenly becoming serious: "Although the success of 'Kasou Taishou', makes us feel supreme pride, but we also have to soberly recognize, within this kind of success, also hides massive risks."
Right as his voice fell, Tanaka Kei who was originally still immersed in joy, that excited smile on his face, instantly stiffened.
Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro, as well as Kitagawa Yao and the group of young employees, all subconsciously restrained their smiles, eyes full of confusion and puzzlement.
They looked at that serious face of Nohara Hiroshi, in their hearts all felt a burst of doubt.
Risk? What risk? This is clearly an unprecedented success!
"Risk?" Tanaka Kei couldn't help but open his mouth asking, on that straightforward face of his, written full of puzzlement: "Department Manager, what do these words of yours mean? The viewership ratings of our 'Kasou Taishou' are so high, audience stickiness so strong, what other risks could there be?"
Yamamoto Takeshi also followed chiming in, an expression of not understanding revealing on his face: "Yeah, Department Manager. We are currently right at the time of spring breeze being smooth sailing, could it be there are still anything, capable of making us feel uneasy?"
Hashishita Ichiro then didn't speak, he merely wrinkled his brows, gaze tightly staring at Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of doubt.
Nohara Hiroshi looking at that confused appearance of theirs, sighed in his heart.
He knew in this era, to make them understand these two concepts "traffic" and "fandom", as well as the "backlash" they might bring, is indeed somewhat difficult.
"Regarding these two words 'traffic' and 'fandom', you guys probably don't understand too much." Nohara Hiroshi softly explained, tone peaceful, yet containing power: "Simply speaking, 'traffic', exactly signifies a work, or a star, within a short period of time, the massive attention span they are capable of attracting. And 'fandom', then refers to those, fans gathering together spontaneously because of liking a certain work, or a certain star, possessing an extremely high loyalty fanbase."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over every single person present, eyes carrying a trace of warning: "These two models, indeed are capable of bringing massive success, just like our 'Kasou Taishou'. But, they are also like adding fuel to a blazing fire, once control isn't handled properly, then it will set oneself on fire, bringing destructive backlash."
"Backlash?" Tanaka Kei and the others upon hearing this, faces all written full of shock.
They never thought, this kind of seemingly so powerful "successful model", actually would bring "backlash"?
"Yes, backlash." Nohara Hiroshi nodded, tone becoming even more solemn: "This kind of backlash, is divided into many types. I'll give you guys a few examples."
He pondered for a moment, the various chaos of the previous life's entertainment circle surfacing in his mind, and then, using a way more conforming to the context of this era, slowly narrating:
"Firstly, is over-consumption, leading to audience aesthetic fatigue." Nohara Hiroshi extended his first finger, "You guys think about it, if a program, or a star, because they are too popular, they get invited day and night by various programs, various commercial endorsements, various peripheral merchandise, excessively appearing in front of the audience. At the very beginning, the audience might feel pleasantly surprised, feel excited. But what about when time passes? Will they feel fed up? Will they feel this program, this star, has already lost its freshness, becoming cheap?"
"Just like a dish no matter how delicious, if eaten every day, eaten every meal, will also make people find it tasteless, even nauseating. When the audience produces an aesthetic fatigue towards a work, a star, then, regardless of how brilliant it once was, ultimately will all be discarded by the market."
Tanaka Kei and the others upon hearing this, faces all revealed thoughtful expressions. Although they never thought of this issue, but thinking about it carefully, yet felt what Nohara Hiroshi said, indeed was very reasonable.
"Secondly, is excessive fan fanaticism, leading to public opinion backlash." Nohara Hiroshi extended his second finger: "The fans of a 'fandom', often have extremely high loyalty towards the works or stars they like. They will spare no effort to support, and will also mercilessly defend."
"But, this kind of defending, once losing rationality, then will evolve into a terrifying power. For instance, when someone raises questioning or criticism towards the work or star they like, will these fans swarm and attack them? Will they use various vicious words, to attack those people who raised different opinions?"
"They will even treat their own idol, offering them up as a god, not allowing anyone to say a single bad word. They will believe, as long as it's what they like, then it inevitably is the best, the most perfect. This kind of blind worship, once seen by the outside world, will it trigger the public's antipathy? Will it make everyone feel, this 'fandom', this star, has already become irrational, become terrifying?"
"When this kind of fanatic fan behavior, surpasses the accepting bottom line of the social public, then, regardless of how welcomed this work, this star, once was, ultimately will all be cast aside by the public."
Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro upon hearing this, faces all written full of shock and fear. They never thought, the "love" of fans, actually could become such a terrifying power.
"Thirdly, is the excessive intervention of capital, leading to a decline in the quality of works." Nohara Hiroshi extended his third finger: "When a work, a star, possesses massive 'traffic' and a 'fandom', then, capital will hear the wind and move, swarming over."
"What is the purpose of capital? It is to make money. They will in order to pursue maximizing benefits, continuously squeeze the work, squeeze the star. They will request the program to continuously push out sequels, request the star to continuously take on filming various works, even setting out to change the style of the work, change the persona of the star, in order to cater to the fans."
"Thus doing, the creation cycle of works is shortened, production costs are pushed low, the resting time of stars is deprived. What is the ultimate result? It is the decline of work quality, is the exhaustion of stars, is the complete disappointment of audiences."
"When a work, a star, in order to cater to capital, and loses its original intention, loses its soul, then, regardless of how brilliant it once was, ultimately will all be eliminated by the era."
At this moment on the faces of everyone inside the office, there already wasn't the slightest bit of reserve left, all blankly staring at Nohara Hiroshi, faces written full of horror.
"Fourthly, is copying and imitating, leading to the depletion of original creation ability." Nohara Hiroshi extended his fourth finger: "When a successful model appears, there inevitably will be countless people following it. They will in order to pursue short-term benefits, continuously copy, continuously imitate."
"For instance, our 'Kasou Taishou' got popular, then, will other television stations also push out similar programs? 'Tales of the Unusual' got popular, will there also be other television stations, producing similar urban legends?"
"At the very beginning, the audience might feel fresh. But what about when time passes? When all programs become a thousand copies of the same face, when all works lose their originality, then, the entire industry, ultimately will all sink into a quagmire of homogeneity, the depletion of original creation ability."
"When an industry, loses the vitality of original creation, then, regardless of how prosperous it once was, ultimately will all head towards decay."
Nohara Hiroshi's words, exactly like a dry clap of thunder, ruthlessly knocking on the heart of every single person present.
They never thought, these "successes" they are currently enjoying, actually hid such massive "crises".
They looked at that peaceful yet profound face of Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of fear and reverence.
"Department Manager... you... these things you said, are simply... too terrifying!" Tanaka Kei's voice carried a trace of trembling, on that straightforward face of his, at this moment written full of trepidation.
Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro, as well as Kitagawa Yao and the group of young employees, all staying blankly in place, all the joy on their faces had faded, only left a patch of pale white.
They never thought, the "success" they pursued, actually would bring such terrible "backlash".
"Yeah, indeed very terrifying." Nohara Hiroshi nodded, tone peaceful, yet containing power: "But, you guys also don't have to worry too much."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over every single person present, eyes full of confidence: "As long as our programs, our works, are capable of always maintaining high quality, capable of always weeding out the old and bringing forth the new, capable of always touching people's hearts, then, regardless of how powerful the strength of 'traffic' and 'fandom' is, it will be incapable of backlashing against us!"
"Because, what ultimately determines whether a work, a star, is capable of standing firm for a long time, will forever be the quality of the work itself, is what it can bring to the audience, the purest being moved and thought!"
"Therefore, everyone." Nohara Hiroshi's voice, once again became impassioned, that composure and confidence, made him appear exceptionally dazzling at this moment: "What we have to achieve, is to strictly control every single project plan, ensuring every single work, is capable of reaching our highest standard. What we have to achieve, is to continuously innovate, continuously break through, continuously surpass ourselves!"
"What we have to achieve, is to let our works, not only be entertainment, even more culture, art, an great force capable of influencing an era, influencing a nation's spirit!"
His words were resounding and forceful.
Hualala!
In the office, sounded thunderous applause.
Everyone was infected by Nohara Hiroshi's passion and responsibility, in their eyes, flashing the same light.
That fear, that unease, at this moment, was all replaced by a brand new, longing and conviction towards the future.
"Hai! Department Manager Nohara!"
"We understand!"
"We will definitely strictly control every single project plan!"
"We will definitely continuously innovate, continuously break through!"
"We will definitely let our works, become a great force capable of influencing the era!"
Everyone uniformly responded, in that voice, full of fighting spirit and passion.
They knew, what Nohara Hiroshi said was right.
Only the quality of the work itself, is their ultimate trump card capable of standing firm in this era.
Only by continuously innovating, continuously breaking through, can they within this frenzy of "traffic" and "fandom", stand firm and not fall, even, go against the current!
Nohara Hiroshi looking at this group of colleagues full of fighting spirit in front of him, a satisfied smile revealed on his face.
As long as these people can listen in, then it's good.
......
And at this time, someone also brought up, currently the television stations in various places of Nippon, indeed also began to produce 'urban legends' and programs similar to the concept of Kasou Taishou.
Even reaching quite a few Level 2 and Level 3 Directors of TV Tokyo itself, were also carefully studying these programs.
"Department Manager, those things you just said, we have all remembered in our hearts." It was Tanaka Kei who was the first to open his mouth.
On that straightforward face of his, at this moment carried a trace of solemnity: "However, currently those television stations outside, have indeed also begun to produce similar programs. Hokkaido TV's 'Midnight Ghost Stories', Kyushu TV's 'Collection of Strange Stories', even our TV Tokyo internally, also has several directors, secretly studying the model of 'Tales of the Unusual' and 'Kasou Taishou'."
Yamamoto Takeshi hearing this, also couldn't help but sigh, that arrogance of his, at this moment had also been replaced by a kind of helplessness: "Yeah, Department Manager. Those guys, are like sharks smelling blood, eager to strip our programs, comprehensively from head to toe. They even still poached several of our production staff, to go help them produce similar programs."
"This... is this the 'copying and imitating' you spoke of?" Hashishita Ichiro also followed asking, on that honest and simple face of his, at this moment written full of worry: "If they mess around like this, will it make our programs, also turn rotten ah?"
Nohara Hiroshi merely peacefully smiled, within those clear eyes, not a single ripple arose.
This was exactly the challenge he anticipated.
"Nothing strange about it." Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, tone peaceful and firm: "When a successful model appears, inevitably will have countless people follow. This is market logic, is also driven by human nature."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three people, eyes carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate encouragement: "However, this towards us, isn't entirely a bad thing. This exactly explains, our works, are successful, are leading the trend. It also gave us a reminder, making us unable to sleep heavily on our past books of merit."
"Therefore, this is exactly giving us motivation." The corners of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth hooked up a faint arc, that composure and confidence, made him appear exceptionally dazzling at this moment: "What we need to do now, is exactly to properly push out the old and bring forth the new."
He raised his hand, gently knocking on the desktop, tone carrying a trace of unquestionable command: "I will soon give everyone some more manuscripts, letting everyone continue producing. Whether it's the new season of 'Kasou Taishou', or the new stories of 'Tales of the Unusual', or the new chapters of 'Yamishibai', you all have to bring out the best creativity, the best production for me!"
The three people upon hearing this, faces all revealed expressions of surprise and excitement. This was Nohara Hiroshi "pointing the direction" for them, and also "adding pressure" for them.
"Hai! Department Manager! We understand!" Tanaka Kei was the first to respond, on that straightforward face of his, at this moment written full of fighting spirit.
Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro also nodded one after another, that towards Nohara Hiroshi's talent, had long ago not have the slightest doubt, only leaving heartfelt admiration.
"Department Manager, you are truly... too amazing!" Yamamoto Takeshi couldn't help but sigh, that arrogance of his, at this moment in front of Nohara Hiroshi, had long dissipated completely: "You can always excavate the most profound philosophical reasoning from the most ordinary things, always use the most unique methods, to move people's hearts, to trigger societal resonance!"
"Yeah, Department Manager." Hashishita Ichiro also followed chiming in, on that honest and simple face of his, at this moment written full of emotional sighing: "Following you, we can always learn a lot of things. You are exactly like a treasure trove, always capable of bringing us pleasant surprises."
Nohara Hiroshi merely smilingly shook his head, that being calm and indifferent, as if everything he did, was merely picking things easily.
"Alright, you two Section Chiefs, you also don't need to praise me like this." Nohara Hiroshi smilingly said: "My strength as a single person, after all is limited. Therefore, I hope you guys, can mobilize the intelligence and wisdom of the section members, also creating some of your own thoughts and conceptions."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three people, eyes full of expectations: "If they are good, I will also incorporate them into my manuscripts carrying out filming. After all, drawing on collective wisdom, can then create even better works."
Tanaka Kei, Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro the three people upon hearing this, all mutually exchanged glances, faces all revealing bitter smiles.
Although they verbally said "Hai! We understand!", but in their hearts they were very clear, this matter, was easier said than done, doing it, instead was as difficult as ascending the heavens.
They as three Section Chiefs, their everyday work, besides managing the department, was precisely racking their brains to think of creativity.
They had even already unleashed the intelligence and wisdom of all the section members in their sections to the extreme.
But, when they gathered the abilities of all section members to produce the new chapters of 'Yamishibai', to produce the new stories of 'Tales of the Unusual', to produce the new segments inside 'Kasou Taishou', they then discovered how difficult it was to produce.
They often over one creative idea, one story, one shot, and argued endlessly, even staying up all night.
But even so, the works they created, often also failed to reach that "god-level" standard of Nohara Hiroshi.
They could even feel, Nohara Hiroshi just merely by himself, could draw so many manuscripts, exactly like having no limit to his train of thought, increasingly making them feel his strength was terrifying.
That steady stream of inspiration, that unconstrained imagination, that near-paranoid perfect pursuit towards works, made them these "senior predecessors", all feel a kind of deep powerlessness and... despair.
They knew, Nohara Hiroshi, he isn't only a genius, he is even more a monster.
A, monster sufficient to change the entire Nippon cultural circle.
They also knew, their only choice, was to closely follow this monster, learn from him, assist him, even, becoming the sharpest "blade" in his hands.
"Alright, everyone." Nohara Hiroshi looked at the time on his wristwatch, on his face floated a faint weariness: "I need to go to Deputy Director Asumi's office, to discuss a bit regarding the specific screening time of 'Hachiko Monogatari'."
He stood up, his gaze sweeping over the three people, eyes full of expectations: "Therefore, you guys also have to continue to work hard ah. The future of our TV Tokyo, completely depends on you guys."
"Hai! Department Manager!" The three people uniformly responded, in that voice, full of fighting spirit and passion.
They knew, what Nohara Hiroshi said was right.
They, must work hard.
Because, only by working hard, can they keep up with the footsteps of this monster.
Only by working hard, can they find a position belonging to themselves in this era of monsters.
Nohara Hiroshi merely smilingly nodded, and then stepped with unhurried paces, walking out of the office.
......
TV Tokyo Production Bureau, Deputy Director Asumi's office.
Sunshine piercing through the floor-to-ceiling windows, plating the indoors with a layer of golden warmth.
Deputy Director Asumi was currently sitting behind the office desk, playfully turning a fountain pen in his hands, that face of his always overflowing with a cheerful smile, at this moment yet carried a few degrees of solemnity.
On the computer screen in front of him, displayed a market analysis report regarding 'Hachiko Monogatari'.
Inside the report, written with the most conspicuous and also most eye-catching red font, a single sentence —— "Box office potential, hopeful to impact ten billion yen!"
Ten billion yen!
This number, like the most precise nuclear bomb, instantly explosively sounded in Asumi's heart!
He knew, what this signified.
This signified, this movie 'Hachiko Monogatari', wasn't only a box office blockbuster, even more a, immortal legend capable of entering the annals of Nippon movie history!
This signified, Nohara Hiroshi, this twenty-three year old young man, will once again create a miracle!
"Ten billion yen ah..." Asumi muttered to himself, in those astute eyes of his, flashing an unbelievable shock.
He fiercely sucked in a breath, forcibly suppressing the wild joy in his heart, and then, heard the sound of the office door being gently knocked.
"Please come in!" Asumi said in a deep voice.
Nohara Hiroshi pushed open the door walking in, he saw that slightly solemn expression of Asumi's, feeling a burst of amusement in his heart.
He knew, Asumi at this moment, inevitably also saw that market analysis report regarding 'Hachiko Monogatari'.
"Deputy Director Asumi, hello." Nohara Hiroshi smilingly offered a greeting, he walked to the front of the office desk, pulling out the chair sitting down, that composure and steadiness, made him appear exceptionally prominent in this kind of occasion.
Asumi fiercely raised his head, he looked at that young and confident face of Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of probing and curiosity.
"Hiroshi-kun, you've come." Asumi softly opened his mouth, tone carrying a trace of imperceptible trembling: "You... have you already seen that market analysis report regarding 'Hachiko Monogatari'?"
Nohara Hiroshi merely peacefully smiled, within those clear eyes, not a single ripple arose.
"En, saw it." Nohara Hiroshi nodded, tone peaceful and firm: "Ten billion yen, this number, indeed is very enticing."
"Enticing?!" Asumi's eyes instantly widened, he looked at that calm and indifferent appearance of Nohara Hiroshi, feeling a burst of amusement in his heart.
This kid, could it be he didn't know what ten billion yen, signified for a Nippon local movie?
That is the box office height, that only Hollywood blockbusters are capable of reaching ah!
"Hiroshi-kun, you... are you actually not feeling excited?" Asumi couldn't help but ask, on that always cheerful face of his, at this moment written full of confusion.
Nohara Hiroshi merely shook his head, a faint smile surfacing on his face.
"Excitement is definitely going to be there." Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, tone peaceful and composed: "But, Deputy Director Asumi, you also know, I am a producer pursuing the quality of works. Box office is surely important, but the value of the work itself, is what is most important."
He paused, gaze looking out towards that vast Tokyo Bay out the window, eyes profound: "Moreover, this movie, it isn't only moving, it even more possesses profound societal significance. It is capable of awakening the depths of our inner hearts, the longing towards warmth, towards connection, towards loyalty. It is capable of making even more people, rethink the relationships between people, the emotions between humans and animals."
"Therefore, to me, its value, has already surpassed the box office itself."
Asumi listening to these words of Nohara Hiroshi, that confusion on his face also gradually dissipated.
He looked at that young and confident face of Nohara Hiroshi, in his heart felt a burst of heartfelt approval.
"Hiroshi-kun, what you said is right." Asumi lightly sighed, tone full of emotional sighing: "Your overarching outlook, your broad vision, indeed is higher than us old folks by a lot."
He paused, his gaze casting towards Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of expectations: "However, Hiroshi-kun, since you have already completed the post-production of 'Hachiko Monogatari', and the movie audit has also passed with full votes. Then, can we also begin to discuss, the screening time of this movie?"
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, a satisfied smile revealed on his face. He knew, this was exactly the true purpose Asumi looked for him today, as well as him coming over today.
"Of course you can, Deputy Director Asumi." Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, tone peaceful and firm: "I came over this time, precisely in order to discuss this matter."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Asumi, eyes flashing a confident light: "Regarding the screening time of 'Hachiko Monogatari', I have already formed a preliminary plan in my heart. I hope, this movie, can be within a, most suitable timing, presented in front of everyone."
Asumi upon hearing this, an interested expression revealed on his face. He knew, Nohara Hiroshi's "plan", would absolutely not be ordinary.
"Oh? Hiroshi-kun, what plan do you have? Say it to let us listen." Asumi followed up asking, tone full of expectations.
The corners of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth hooked up a faint arc, that composure and confidence, made him appear exceptionally dazzling at this moment.
He knew this plan will once again shock everyone.
He will use his wisdom, his far-sightedness, his works, to change this world, to influence even more people.
He has to let 'Hachiko Monogatari', become his Nohara Hiroshi's, second cornerstone towards ascending the cultural peak!
(End of Chapter)