novelraw Chapter 190: 2.1 Billion First Day Box Office! Defeating the US Hollywood Box Office! The Carnival Has Begun!
Chapter 190: 2.1 Billion First Day Box Office! Defeating the US Hollywood Box Office! The Carnival Has Begun!
The next day, Tokyo's cultural and entertainment circles, exactly like being thrown a deep-water bomb into, all tranquility and inertia were instantly broken, setting off monstrous huge waves.
Those newspaper offices that usually were famous for being calm and objective, at this moment also as if swept up by the emotional torrent brought by 'Hachiko Monogatari', one after another using the most striking, most inciting headlines, reporting the grand occasion of this movie.
Tokyo Daily Headline: ['Hachiko Monogatari': A Song of Praise of Loyalty Transcending Life and Death, Questioning the Soul of the Nippon Nation!]
“Following "Seven Samurai" using its majestic epic to deconstruct era and class, Department Manager Nohara Hiroshi once again used a heartwarming masterpiece 'Hachiko Monogatari' to shock the entire Nippon. The film uses an Akita Inu's waiting ten years as a single day, carrying out a brand new interpretation of the ancient samurai spirit 'loyalty', under the background of a modern metropolis.
This book is first published on the entire network by twkan.com
Film critic Kitazawa Kazuma highly praised: 'Nohara Hiroshi's lens, can always penetrate vanity, directly reaching the deepest part of the soul. He uses the purity of a dog, to wash our souls polluted by secularity, letting us rethink what is true loyalty. This isn't only an animal's epic, it is even more an allegory of human nature, it will in the long river of era, leave the mark of eternity.'”
Yomiuri Shimbun Editorial: [From Samurai's Loyalty to Lord to Hachiko's Waiting: How Nohara Hiroshi Reshaped Nippon's 'Loyalty' Totem?]
“In traditional Nippon culture, a samurai's loyalty towards the lord, is the noblest moral character. However, in modern society, the definition of this 'loyalty' is increasingly blurred, even corroded by interests. Department Manager Nohara Hiroshi, this young man hailed as a 'Cultural Monster', yet boldly projected this concept onto an Akita Inu, triggering the deep thinking of the entire society towards 'loyalty'.
Sociologist Professor Yamada Taro pointed out: 'Nohara Hiroshi's "Hachiko Monogatari", isn't a subversion towards the samurai spirit, but a more brilliant inheritance. He uses an animal's selflessness and purity, to foil against the complexity and preciousness of human emotions, ingeniously guiding the citizens to sublimate this loyalty, from attachment towards an individual, to steadfastness towards family, towards society, and even towards the nation. His precise grasp towards the citizens' psychology, is truly jaw-dropping.'”
Asahi Shimbun Entertainment Section: [Tears and Shock Interweaving! 'Hachiko Monogatari' Detonates Movie-Watching Frenzy, Citizens' Emotional Resonance Unprecedented!] “Ever since 'Hachiko Monogatari' premiered yesterday, major cinemas nationwide were packed without a single empty seat, countless audiences having faces covered in tears inside the screening halls, even long after the movie ended unwilling to leave. The bond between Hachiko and the professor in the movie, that waiting transcending life and death, deeply moved the heartstrings of every single Nippon person.
Famous relationship expert Watanabe Hanako commented: 'Department Manager Nohara Hiroshi once again proved his extraordinary control towards emotional narrative. Hachiko's ten years of waiting in the movie, not only awakened the longing towards pure connection in the depths of our hearts, it even more urged us to reflect on the increasingly estranged relationship between humans, and between humans and animals in modern society. This undoubtedly will be this apathetic era's, most heartwarming, and most healing-powered work.'”
Shukan Bunshun Special Report: ['Hachiko Monogatari': A Movie That Makes Iron Hearts Also Moved! Nohara Hiroshi's Artistic Magic!]
“The Film Ethics and Regulatory Committee passed with a unanimous vote, Tokyo Governor Koike Ryuichi Excellency personally attended the premiere, and shed tears at the scene, sufficient to show the artistic charm and emotional impact of 'Hachiko Monogatari'. Multiple veteran film critics even proposed rating this film as the Best Film of the year. We have reason to believe, this movie will become this year's most tear-jerking, and also most socially influential work.
Film critic Kimura Mimiko pointed out: 'Nohara Hiroshi's talent, no longer needs elaboration. He can always use the most unique perspective, the most precise entry point, to trigger the heated discussion of the entire society. From the epic structure of "Seven Samurai", to the heartwarming delicacy of "Hachiko Monogatari", every one of his attempts, subverted our imaginations, creating new cultural symbols. He, exactly is Nippon's movie circle, and even the entire Asian movie circle's, most dazzling star!'”
......
At the same time, in the city center of Tokyo, inside an old but full of historical sense building, the editorial department of Nippon's most prestigious movie review magazine "Kinema Junpo", at this moment was exactly buzzing with noise.
The air permeated with a rich aroma of coffee and the smell of ink.
But what was even more intense, yet was the fierce and also full of respect discussion sounds triggered because of 'Hachiko Monogatari'.
“Oh my god! I simply can't believe my own eyes!”
A veteran editor, hair half-white, wearing thick glasses, he fiercely slammed the newspaper in his hands onto the table, inside his voice carrying difficult to suppress trembling:
“I've watched thirty years of movies, wrote twenty years of movie reviews, never seen a single movie, able to be like this 'Hachiko Monogatari', making me cry a total mess, and also making me feel so shocked!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the colleagues around, inside those cloudy eyes of his, at this moment yet flashing unprecedented light:
“I originally thought, Nohara Hiroshi filming samurai films is good luck, having the foundation of Director Kurosawa there. But looking at it now, I am truly... too narrow-minded! Where is he filming a pet movie? What he filmed, was clearly the epic of human nature! Is an emotional nuclear bomb ah!”
“Senior Tanaka said right!”
Another young editor, on his face still carrying tear stains, he excitedly stood up, waving the pen in his hands, tone full of fanatic worship:
“I originally also held doubts towards this movie, feeling using a dog to narrate loyalty, is insulting the Bushido spirit of our Nippon. But after finishing watching the movie, I just discovered, I am truly... too stupid! Department Manager Nohara he, is the person who truly understood the word 'loyalty'! He used a dog's purity, to wash our souls polluted by secularity, letting us rethink, the most precious spirit of our nation!”
“Moreover, did you guys notice or not, the filming techniques of this movie, are simply textbook level!”
A female editor excitedly said, inside those bright eyes of hers, at this moment still flashing tears:
“Every single lens operation is full of emotion, every single visual directly strikes people's hearts! Especially Hachiko's performance, is simply... is simply a stroke of genius! I even doubt, is Department Manager Nohara really capable of communicating with dogs, otherwise, how could he film such a performance full of spirituality?!”
“This is already not a simple director's ability, this is... this is artistic talent transcending the era!”
An elderly commentator, at this moment also couldn't help but sigh, on that always serious face of his, at this moment was also covered with tear stains:
“From the grand narrative of "Seven Samurai", to the heartwarming delicacy of "Hachiko Monogatari", Nohara Hiroshi he, has already thoroughly proved himself! He isn't only a samurai film director, he is even more a... all-around director capable of managing any theme, and all capable of filming classic works!”
“All-around director? No, he is even more an all-around artist!”
A young intern, at this moment also excitedly flushed red in the face, he even couldn't help but wave his fists, tone full of difficult to suppress excitement:
“He is also a manga artist! He is also a variety show producer! He is also a TV drama producer! He is simply a monster ah! A monster, sufficient to change the entire Nippon cultural circle!”
“Yeah! I even feel, he is the person who can truly represent our Nippon culture, walking towards the world, conquering the world!”
Inside the editorial department, various praises, various exclamations, exactly like a tide surging over, thoroughly submerging the entire space.
Everyone was excited to the point of speaking incoherently, they strived to be the first expressing their own fondness towards the movie, admiration towards Nohara Hiroshi, as well as the infinite longing towards the future prospects of this movie.
They looked at that excessively young face of Nohara Hiroshi, that composure and confidence, that unfathomably deep talent, making these "old seniors" who had rolled and crawled in the movie circle for half a lifetime, all feel a kind of deep powerlessness and... terror.
“He is only twenty-three years old ah...”
Senior Tanaka muttered to himself, inside those cloudy eyes of his, at this moment yet flashing a trace of unspeakable terror:
“Twenty-three years old, already able to film such works, already able to possess such influence... this is simply... a level of making people feel terror ah!”
He profoundly exhaled a breath of air.
Inside that breath, carried a trace of sighing, a trace of self-deprecation, also carried a trace, of sincere admiration towards Nohara Hiroshi.
“Our Nippon, truly produced an... unprecedented monster ah!”
......
TV Tokyo Production Bureau, inside the office of Nohara Independent Production Department.
Spring sunshine passed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, plating the indoors with a layer of golden warmth.
Nohara Hiroshi sat behind the office desk, holding a cup of hot tea in his hands, gaze peacefully sweeping over that patch of urban skyline plated golden by the spring sunshine outside the window, eyes carrying some slight smile.
He was waiting for good news, and indeed the good news had already arrived.
“Manager! Manager!”
The office door was pushed open, Kitagawa Yao, this young employee who first followed Nohara Hiroshi, at this moment her face overflowing with difficult to suppress hyperactivity, she almost trotted rushing in, hands waving a stack of newspapers.
“Manager! Look quickly! Look quickly at these newspapers!”
Kitagawa Yao excitedly slapped the newspapers in her hands onto the office desk, that sound almost about to shatter the glass of the entire office:
“On top of them are all praising you, praising 'Hachiko Monogatari'! Everyone is saying, you are a genius! You are a monster! You are the pride of Nippon!”
She fiercely took a breath of air, forcefully suppressing the ecstasy in her heart, eyes full of fanatic worship:
“Manager! You are truly... too amazing! You once again created a miracle! A miracle, sufficient to shock the entire Nippon!”
Nohara Hiroshi merely peacefully smiled, he knew all this was within his expectations.
“Oh? Is that so?”
Nohara Hiroshi softly asked, tone carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate cooperation.
“Yeah! Manager! You don't know, now the entire Tokyo, is all discussing 'Hachiko Monogatari' ne!”
Kitagawa Yao excited to the point her body slightly trembled, inside those bright big eyes of hers, all popped out stars:
“I just now on the way to work, heard many people all discussing this movie! They all said, this movie, made them cry a total mess, but also felt the heart is warm, very moved!”
She paused, tone becoming even more excited:
“I even received my best friend's phone call! She previously didn't have any interest towards movies at all! But after she finished watching 'Hachiko Monogatari', actually excitedly cried for half an hour on the phone! She also said, she wants to bring the whole family, to go to the cinema for a second viewing, third viewing! She even said, she wants to raise an Akita Inu, just like Hachiko, an intelligent and loyal Akita Inu!”
Nohara Hiroshi listening to Kitagawa Yao's description, that peaceful smile on his face, also gradually became real.
This is exactly the feedback he most wanted to hear.
“It's good that everyone likes it.”
Nohara Hiroshi softly exclaimed, tone carrying a smile:
“As long as everyone likes it, then all our efforts, are all worth it.”
He paused, his gaze casting towards Kitagawa Yao, eyes flashing with a trace of perfectly appropriate "curiosity":
“Kitagawa-kun, you just said, your best friend, also wants to raise an Akita Inu?”
“Yeah! Manager!”
Kitagawa Yao fiercely nodded her head, her face overflowing with an excited smile:
“She also said, she wants to give away all the cats in her house, specially raise an Akita Inu ne! She said, the Akita Inu is too cute! Moreover, they are still so intelligent, so loyal! Simply the perfect pet!”
She paused, tone carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate "complaint":
“Manager, you don't know, now inside our office, many female colleagues are all discussing the Akita Inu ne! They all said, after finishing watching 'Hachiko Monogatari', thoroughly became fans of Hachiko! They even said, if they can buy an Akita Inu exactly like Hachitsutsu, adorkably silly and cute, they would rather not buy cosmetics, not buy clothes!”
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, a satisfied smile revealed on his face.
His plan, had already succeeded by half.
“Oh? Is that so?”
Nohara Hiroshi softly asked, tone carrying a trace of perfectly appropriate "probing":
“Then what if, our Nohara Family Kabushiki Gaisha, now externally sold Akita Inus, do you feel, everyone will like it?”
Kitagawa Yao upon hearing this, her eyes instantly brightened, she excitedly fiercely stood up, inside those bright big eyes of hers, flashing the light of fanaticism:
“Of course they will like it ah! Manager! You don't know, now outside how many people, are all asking around where can buy Akita Inus ne! If Nohara Family Kabushiki Gaisha really can externally sell, then definitely will be in short supply!”
She paused, tone full of expectations:
“Manager, do you really plan to externally sell Akita Inus? Then... then that's really too great! I definitely have to let my best friend, and also those female colleagues of mine, all go buy one! They definitely will be extremely happy!”
Nohara Hiroshi looking at that excited to the point of speaking incoherently appearance of Kitagawa Yao, the corners of his mouth unconsciously hooked up a faint arc.
The market had already been entirely opened.
What he had to do, was exactly riding this heat wave, to push Nohara Family Kabushiki Gaisha's Akita Inus, out to the market.
He extended his hand, gently touching his chin, that composure and confidence, made him appear exceptionally dazzling at this moment.
“It seems, my plan, is time to activate.”
Nohara Hiroshi muttered to himself.
He picked up the telephone on the office desk, dialing a number.
“Hello, is it Eldest Brother?”
His voice carried a trace of imperceptible relaxation, that is unique towards family.
From the other end of the phone transmitted Nohara Semashi's honest and also slightly excited voice:
“Hiroshi, it's me. How are things on your side? Heard your new movie 'Hachiko Monogatari' heavily exploded in popularity? Even the television station news is talking about it ne!”
He paused, tone carrying a trace of difficult to suppress excitement:
“Hiroshi, you are truly too amazing! Yesterday Ikuna and I went to the cinema to watch your movie! We both cried a total mess! Especially Ikuna, she cried even harder than me ne! She also said, she also wants to raise an Akita Inu, properly raising an Akita Inu exactly like Hachitsutsu, adorkably silly and cute!”
“Yeah, Eldest Brother, it's good that everyone likes it.”
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, a true smile revealed on his face, softly responding:
“I am calling you, exactly for this matter. Eldest Brother, you can now externally sell Akita Inus.”
“Oh? Really?!”
Nohara Semashi's voice instantly raised eight octaves, tone full of unbelievable ecstasy:
“Hiroshi! You... you really plan to externally sell Akita Inus?! Then... then how should the price be set ah? Inside our cultivation base, now there are nearly two thousand something Akita Inus ne!”
He paused, tone carrying worry:
“Hiroshi, you can't set the price too high ah. Our price for purchasing Akita Inus, is only a mere five thousand yen per head ne. If set too high, I'm afraid it will scare away those customers.”
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, the smile on his face even greater.
Eldest brother's worry, is out of caution towards the market. But at this moment, what he had to do, was subverting eldest brother's cognition towards the market.
“Eldest Brother, you're wrong.”
Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, tone peaceful and firm:
“Our Nohara Family Kabushiki Gaisha's Akita Inus, are absolutely not ordinary Akita Inus. They are Akita Inus carrying the story of 'Hachiko Monogatari', they are Akita Inus symbolizing loyalty and kinship!”
He paused, gaze cast towards that vast Tokyo Bay out the window, eyes profound and also full of confidence:
“Therefore, Eldest Brother, you listen well. Our Nohara Family Kabushiki Gaisha's Akita Inus, the price of one Akita Inu, cannot be lower than —— one million yen!”
“What?!”
At the other end of the phone, Nohara Semashi's voice, exactly like a duck getting its neck pinched, instantly became sharp and also ear-piercing, full of unbelievable shock!
He blankly stood in place, inside his mind continuously replaying these words of Nohara Hiroshi —— "One million yen!"
His price for purchasing Akita Inus, was only a mere five thousand yen! And now, Nohara Hiroshi actually wants him, to use a price of one million yen, to externally sell?!
This... this is simply, robbery ah!
“Hiroshi! You... you aren't joking right?!”
Nohara Semashi's voice carried a trace of trembling, tone full of bewilderment and... traces of fear:
“One million yen? This... how is this possible to sell out ah?! Our price for purchasing Akita Inus, is only a mere five thousand yen ah! Even adding venue fees, food stuff fees, one Akita Inu selling fifteen thousand yen can purely turn a profit!”
Nohara Hiroshi merely peacefully smiled, inside those clear eyes of his, not even the slightest ripple arose.
“Eldest Brother, you listen to me.”
Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, tone peaceful and firm:
“Now, is already no longer that market you recognized in the past. Now, our Akita Inus, they are not only pets, they are even more cultural symbols, are the sustenance of emotions, are the symbol of status!”
He paused, his tone becoming even more solemn:
“Therefore, Eldest Brother, what you have to do now, is take out that reference book I previously drew for you, giving Akita Inus grading and categorizing bloodlines.”
“The higher the bloodline purity, the higher the grade. When the time comes, sells the more expensive.”
Nohara Hiroshi's voice was peaceful.
“Categorizing bloodlines?!”
Nohara Semashi's voice once again became doubtful:
“Hiroshi! You... you aren't joking right? These Akita Inus inside the Akita Prefecture area are everywhere! How do we categorize bloodlines ah?! This... this is simply an Arabian Nights tale!”
Nohara Hiroshi upon hearing this, a helpless bitter smile revealed on his face.
He knew, wanting eldest brother to understand this principle of "brand premium" and "emotional value", was indeed somewhat difficult.
Although now there are also some signs of bloodlines, having brand premiums, emotional value and the like, after all this is also a routine that only prospered in later generations.
But to explain to the honest eldest brother, definitely very difficult.
After all even if in later generations.
This is also a seemingly simple, but actually harboring profound mysteries, requiring a massive amount of advertising and imperceptible shaping of the three views, to let everyone consider buying exactly this kind of psychological value symbolizing brand, emotion, and wealthy person status.
“Eldest Brother, you don't need to care about so much.”
Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth:
“You only need to follow the picture album I gave you, and those more resemblant to Hachitsutsu, exactly are the Akita Inus with the purest bloodline. When the time comes, sells the more expensive.”
He paused, tone carrying a trace of command:
“Eldest Brother, you only need to go do according to what I said. You believe me, I absolutely won't let you lose capital. I will only let you, earn big money!”
Nohara Semashi blankly stood in place, inside his mind continuously replaying these words of Nohara Hiroshi.
Although he didn't understand Nohara Hiroshi's "logic", but he also knew, Nohara Hiroshi had never disappointed him.
From the box office myth of "Seven Samurai", to the profound movingness of "Hachiko Monogatari", every single time Nohara Hiroshi's "whimsical ideas", all brought him massive pleasant surprises.
“Okay... okay! Hiroshi! I... I got it!”
Nohara Semashi's voice carried a trace of trembling, tone full of unconditional trust towards his younger brother:
“I... I'll go do it right away! I'll immediately follow what you said, to go give the Akita Inus grading, to go set prices for them!”
He paused, still felt it's better to ask in more detail:
“Hiroshi, then... then how many do we ship out in one go? Inside our cultivation base, now there are nearly two thousand something Akita Inus ne!”
“Eldest Brother, you listen well.”
Nohara Hiroshi pondered and then said:
“The quantity of Akita Inus shipped out, shouldn't be too many, have to slowly ship out. We need to create an atmosphere of 'scarcity' and 'preciousness'. Every time shipping out, only release a few dozens heads, and then, setting the price high, letting those wealthy people and celebrities, all rush to come buy!”
He paused, tone becoming even more solemn:
“Moreover, Eldest Brother, the funds you gather, immediately continue to purchase and cultivate Akita Inus. Simultaneously, land also definitely must buy more. I previously also said, now the country is adjusting the economy, but please remember, agriculture, is always the firmest side. Therefore, speed up the footsteps, exhausting all possibilities, continue to expand fields! My target is —— minimum of five thousand acres of land! Hope you can also put in more effort! Don't be afraid to spend money!”
Nohara Semashi listening to these words of Nohara Hiroshi, that ecstasy on his face also became even more obvious.
He knew, Nohara Hiroshi is giving him a "clear direction", also giving him "adding pressure".
“Hai! Hiroshi! I understand!”
Nohara Semashi heavily responded, tone firm:
“I will definitely go do according to what you said! I guarantee, our Nohara Family Kabushiki Gaisha, will definitely become Akita Prefecture's, and even the entire Nippon's, largest agricultural Kabushiki Gaisha!”
“En, okay, then it troubles Eldest Brother.”
Nohara Hiroshi merely smilingly nodded his head.
Also chatted for a few sentences, and then he hung up the phone, leaning against the back of the chair, his gaze peacefully casting towards that vast Tokyo Bay out the window.
Next is waiting.
And the result of waiting can already be anticipated, truly very good.
......
Night color exactly like ink, gently wrapping the clamor of Tokyo.
Evening lights lit up, the city's pulse rhythmically throbbing amidst the interwoven light and shadow. However, inside an office on the seventeenth floor of the TV Tokyo Production Bureau, time yet as if solidified, every second heavy exactly like lead.
This is the office of Deputy Director Asumi.
Nohara Hiroshi sat properly on a wide sofa, posture tall and straight, exactly like a green pine taking root in the rocks.
On the tea table in front of him, a cup of hot tea already cooled, on the surface of the tea floated a thin layer of steam, exactly like a dream about to dissipate.
His gaze peacefully swept across every single person inside the room, inside those clear eyes of his, not a single ripple, as if waiting at this moment, was not regarding his reputation and future's first day box office, but merely that night scenery overflowing with brilliant lights and vibrant colors outside the window.
Deputy Director Asumi then appeared somewhat restless, that face of his that was always overflowing with a bright smile on ordinary days, at this moment yet stretched tightly, between his brows carrying a trace of difficult to conceal anxiety.
He from time to time picked up the telephone on the table, and put it down, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the telephone dial, emitting slight "da da" sounds, exactly like the drumbeats of a heartbeat.
Executive Deputy Director Takada Toshihide, this "Tokyo Faction" leader always famous for remaining calm and composed, at this moment also similarly appeared somewhat abnormal.
He silently sat on the other side of Asumi, playing with a fountain pen in his hands, fingertips yet unconsciously rubbed the pen cap, that fine movement, leaked that nervousness deep inside his heart.
Inside the room, besides these three core figures, there were still many familiar faces.
Director Kurosawa Eiji, this Level 1 Director hailed as the giant of Nippon's samurai films, at this moment then appeared exceptionally relaxed.
He wore a dark-colored kimono, sitting properly on the other side of Nohara Hiroshi, holding a cup of hot tea in his hands, gaze peacefully sweeping over every person inside the room, between his brows carrying a trace of an indistinct smile.
Director Ashikaga Takashi and Director Asano Takata two people, at this moment exactly like two statues, stiffly sitting on the sofa.
On their slightly haggard faces, covered with fine beads of sweat, their eyes full of trepidation and uneasiness.
They are the co-directors of 'Hachiko Monogatari', the success or failure of the movie, is also closely related to their reputation.
In addition, there were also several main actors of the movie, they at this moment were also conversing in low voices, tone carrying a trace of difficult to conceal excitement and nervousness.
They are the spokespersons of the movie, and also the witnesses of the movie, at this moment, they and all ordinary audiences alike, were all waiting for that number capable of deciding the movie's fate.
“You say, how much can the first day box office reach ah?”
A young actor couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his voice carrying a trace of trembling, breaking that suffocating silence inside the room.
The actress beside him upon hearing this, subconsciously tightened her hands, face written full of expectations:
“I heard, now the heat of discussing 'Hachiko Monogatari' outside is extremely high! Everyone is saying, this movie will definitely explode in popularity! I guess, the first day box office can at least also reach one billion yen right?”
“One billion yen?!”
Another veteran actor upon hearing this, couldn't help but lightly laugh a sound, inside that sound carrying a trace of disdain, yet also full of confidence:
“You are truly underestimating Department Manager Nohara too much! The "Seven Samurai" he filmed, the first day box office yet reached 1.2 billion yen ah! Moreover that movie, but didn't have Governor Excellency personally standing on stage to promote exactly like 'Hachiko Monogatari'!”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over every single person present, his tone becoming impassioned:
“I guess, the first day box office can at least also reach 1.5 billion yen! Even, possible to hit 1.8 billion yen!”
“1.8 billion yen?!”
A young production staff upon hearing this, couldn't help but exclaim out loud, on that young face of his, written full of unbelievable shock:
“This... this is simply the box office of Hollywood blockbusters ah! Our Nippon domestic movies, actually are also able to reach this kind of height?!”
“Why not?”
The veteran actor asked back, inside those astute eyes of his, flashing the light of confidence:
“You shouldn't forget quickly, who is the director of this movie! It's Nohara Hiroshi! He is the pride of our Nippon! The movies, television dramas he filmed, the manga he drew, are all too superb! Now even the Americans are subdued under his talent! He, is exactly the hope of our Nippon movie circle!”
“Yeah! Department Manager Nohara is a person even Governor Koike personally called out to praise ah!”
The actress also followed chiming in, on her face overflowing with a proud smile:
“I heard, Governor Koike also adopted Hachitsutsu ne! He even also said, he will use Hachitsutsu's loyalty as a motto, serving the populace of our Tokyo Metropolis! This... this is simply unprecedented promotion ah!”
“Therefore ah! I guess, the first day box office can at least also reach 2.0 billion yen!”
A young scriptwriter excitedly said, inside those bright eyes of his, flashing the light of fanaticism:
“Even, possible to surpass 2.0 billion yen! Becoming in Nippon movie history, the highest first-day box office domestic movie!”
For a time, inside the office was full of various intense discussion sounds.
Everyone was shocked by these staggering numbers one by one, eyes full of expectations and fanaticism.
They strived to be the first expressing their expectations towards the movie, admiration towards Nohara Hiroshi, as well as the infinite longing towards the future prospects of this movie.
Director Kurosawa Eiji quietly listened to these discussion sounds, on that weather-beaten face of his, at this moment similarly overflew a kind of expectation.
He picked up the teacup, gently sipping a mouthful, and then, speaking in a low voice towards Asumi, Takada Toshihide and Nohara Hiroshi beside him:
“It seems, everyone towards Hiroshi-kun's movie this time, are all very confident ah.”
He paused, his gaze cast towards Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of appreciation and expectations:
“However, I conversely feel, everyone's estimation, is still somewhat conservative. I guess, the first day box office can at least also reach 1.5 billion yen and above. After all, Hiroshi-kun's movie this time, the emotional power it contains, is sufficient to penetrate all hypocrisy and calculation, directly reaching the softest corners of people's hearts.”
“1.5 billion huh?”
Deputy Director Asumi upon hearing this, a pondering expression revealed on his face.
He glanced at Kurosawa Eiji, again glanced at Nohara Hiroshi, and then, lightly smilingly nodded his head:
“What Director Kurosawa said is right. I also feel the same. I guess, the first day box office can at least also reach 1.6 billion yen and above.”
Although Executive Deputy Director Takada Toshihide wasn't as explicit as Asumi, but at this moment also nodded his head, within his tone carrying a trace of imperceptible agreement:
“Yeah, what Director Kurosawa and Asumi-kun said is right. The promotion strength of this movie, is unprecedented. Adding Hiroshi-kun's talent, I guess, the first day box office can at least also reach 1.7 billion yen and above.”
The three smiled at each other, that tacit mutual understanding, quietly flowing in the air.
They all knew, this movie of Nohara Hiroshi, absolutely will once again create a miracle.
Their gazes, without prior agreement cast towards Nohara Hiroshi.
Nohara Hiroshi merely smilingly shrugged his shoulders, that composure and confidence, making him inside this atmosphere full of expectations and nervousness, appear exceptionally prominent.
“The preliminary heat-up public opinion is so explosive, I think it should be able to have a good result right.”
Nohara Hiroshi softly opened his mouth, tone peaceful and firm, not having the slightest ripple.
“Yeah! What Manager said is right!”
Kitagawa Yao responsible for serving tea and pouring water excitedly said, inside those bright big eyes of hers, flashing the light of fanaticism:
“I've never seen a single movie, able to be like 'Hachiko Monogatari', before screening triggering such massive social repercussions!”
“Hiroshi-kun's this kind of train of thought for promotion, is simply a stroke of genius ah!”
Deputy Director Asumi also couldn't help but sigh, on that bright and open face of his, at this moment written full of sincere admiration towards Nohara Hiroshi:
“Through the foreign media's affirmation, to elevate the citizens' sense of identification towards domestic culture, this kind of 'saving the nation by a curve' strategy, is simply... too brilliant!”
Executive Deputy Director Takada Toshihide at this moment also nodded his head, inside those profound eyes of his, flashing the light of astuteness:
“What Asumi-kun said is right. This kind of methods of manipulating public opinion, is simply... even not inferior to those old politicians!”
He paused, his gaze casting towards Nohara Hiroshi, eyes full of appreciation and expectations:
“Hiroshi-kun, you are truly... hiding deeply ah. No wonder even Governor Koike, views you in a new light, even intends to pull you together to participate in the campaign promotion.”
“Two Deputy Directors spoken too heavily.”
Nohara Hiroshi's tone was peaceful:
“This is merely thanks to the platform of TV Tokyo that's all.”
This is the truth.
If not having TV Tokyo serving as a strong backing, me manipulating public opinion like this, it is estimated I would long ago have been suppressed by the iron fist of the Nippon officials. After all Nippon's control towards public opinion, is very strict.
Nohara Hiroshi's success indeed has an extremely massive relationship with TV Tokyo.
Standing behind him, is the colossus TV Tokyo, is Bureau Chief Sakata Nobuhiko, is Fujiwara Hideaki Excellency, and even Governor Koike.
It is this massive and also secretive "Tokyo Faction"'s cultural and political alliance, escorting and protecting him.
“Hahahahaha!”
Everyone tacitly smiled. They knew, what Nohara Hiroshi said was right.
Behind every single success, hides countless sweat and effort, countless compromises and sacrifices, as well as countless... unseen pushers.
However, they didn't discuss for too long.
Right at this moment, the office door was fiercely pushed open.
An employee looking twenty-something years old, wearing TV Tokyo's uniform, at this moment was exactly panting heavily standing at the doorway, on his face, written full of difficult to suppress excitement and ecstasy.
In his hands he waved a document, that document, as if carrying the fate of the entire TV Tokyo.
Everyone's gazes, uniformly cast towards him.
Inside the office, instantly descended into a patch of death-like silence.
Only the heavy panting sounds of the employee, as well as the rustling sounds emitted by the document in his hands, echoing in this enclosed space.
“First... First day box office... is out!”
The employee's voice, carried a trace of trembling, that was the embodiment of excitement to the extreme.
He fiercely drew a breath of air, forcefully suppressing the ecstasy in his heart, and then, using a tone almost approaching pilgrimage, slowly spoke that number:
“'Hachiko Monogatari' first day box office —— 2.1 billion yen!”
“What?!”
“2.1 billion yen?!”
“Oh my god! This... this is simply a divine miracle ah!”
After a short dead silence, inside the office instantly descended into a patch of massive clamor and carnival!
Everyone was excited to the point of speaking incoherently, they jumped for joy, hugging each other, that ecstasy, almost to the point of flipping the entire office over.
Because this result, is truly too astonishing.
Nippon's movie box office, good domestic movies, in fact if the first day box office can surpass one billion, then that is already a super good movie.
Able to break 1.5 billion, then that is the predetermined box office champion of the year.
Now, 2.1 billion first day box office.
Is simply a terrifying result exactly the same as those large-budget large-production American Hollywood movies.
Can the crowd present not be excited?
This is simply a record-breaking result!
Must know previously, there had absolutely never been a Nippon movie, able to obtain such a high result on the first day ne!
And all this.
Was all broken by Nohara Hiroshi this twenty-four-year-old young man!
Is truly making everyone go crazy.
Even, inside their minds possessed a strange, almost approaching pathological, that kind of fanatic excitement of defeating the Americans.
To the point that Deputy Director Asumi fiercely bounced up from the sofa, he excitedly circled the office twice, and then fiercely rushed to the front of Nohara Hiroshi, tone full of difficult to suppress excitement:
“Hiroshi-kun! 2.1 billion yen! 2.1 billion yen ah! You... you once again created a miracle! A miracle, sufficient to shock the entire Nippon movie circle!”
Executive Deputy Director Takada Toshihide, at this moment also woke up from that massive shock, that complex expression on his face, at this moment also transformed into sincere admiration:
“Hiroshi-kun! You... you are simply a monster ah! You once again, exceeded all our expectations!”
Director Kurosawa Eiji yet merely quietly sat there, gaze cast towards Nohara Hiroshi, inside his eyes full of the radiance of 'you this fellow indeed did it'.
Simultaneously also once again picked up his teacup, lightly sipping a mouthful.
Also felt...
A sense of relaxation that his era indeed had passed.
Now, this old general who once propped up the sole shining point of the Kanto Faction, truly plans to begin enjoying his elderly retirement life.
PS: Continue to beg for tickets~
(End of Chapter)