novelraw Chapter 262: Appointment of Campaign Advisor! The Effectiveness of the Information Cocoon!
Chapter 262: Appointment of Campaign Advisor! The Effectiveness of the Information Cocoon!
The campaign headquarters in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo City, was already bustling with noise and excitement just past nine in the morning.
Large campaign posters of Shimazu Yoshihiro occupied the entire wall. The slogan "Cultural Rejuvenation of the City, Economic Transformation" on the posters was particularly eye-catching. The desks were piled high with neatly bound polling reports, promotional plans, and voter feedback forms.
Wearing a neatly ironed dark suit and carrying a briefcase containing the script for the short campaign promotional video, Nohara Hiroshi stepped steadily into the lobby. He was immediately recognized by Shimazu Yoshihiro's secretary.
"Mr. Nohara, you're finally here! Mr. Shimazu has been waiting for you in his office for a long time." The secretary quickly came to greet him, his tone filled with urgency and respect.
Pushing open the office door, Shimazu Yoshihiro was currently standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the streetscape of Tokyo outside.
He wore a dark blue suit, his hair combed meticulously. Compared to his steady demeanor at TV Tokyo, his brow now exuded a bit more of a candidate's sharpness.
Hearing the movement, he abruptly turned around, a hearty smile instantly blooming on his face. He stepped forward quickly and grasped Nohara Hiroshi's hand: "Hiroshi-kun, you came at just the right time! I've been looking forward to seeing you every day recently. Without you here, I feel unsure about many promotional matters."
"Former President Shimazu, sorry for the delay on the road. I encountered a voter petition activity in the subway." Nohara Hiroshi nodded slightly, his tone remaining steady. The temperature of his fingertips transmitted through his palm, making Shimazu Yoshihiro inexplicably feel a bit more secure.
Shimazu Yoshihiro pulled him to sit on the sofa and personally poured him a cup of hot tea, his eyes full of earnestness: "Hiroshi-kun, I asked you to come today because I have an important matter to formally tell you—I have already submitted an application to the campaign committee, appointing you as my special campaign advisor, fully responsible for promotional strategy and public opinion control. The election will start in the middle of this month, leaving less than two weeks. Whether we can overthrow Tanaka Mikami all depends on you!"
Nohara Hiroshi held the warm teacup, gently rubbing the cup wall with his fingertips, and responded calmly: "Thank you for your trust, Former President Shimazu. I will definitely go all out. However, before discussing subsequent plans, I would like to review the current promotional progress and polling data first.""I had them prepared for you long ago!"
Shimazu Yoshihiro immediately took a thick stack of documents from the drawer of his desk and handed them over. "The 'Information Cocoon' strategy you designed initially has been fully implemented. We did targeted pushing according to different voter groups: for elderly people over 60, we pushed promotional brochures and short videos on 'traditional craft protection' and 'elderly care and medical optimization,' highlighting the case of your 'A Bite of Neon' driving the local economy and making old crafts shine anew;
for young people aged 20-35, we distributed ads on 'employment support' and 'cultural entrepreneurship subsidies,' using the popularity of 'Kasou Taishou' to attract their attention;
for the middle-aged group aged 36-59, we pushed policy interpretations on 'balanced educational resources' and 'small and medium enterprise support,' emphasizing the necessity of economic transformation."
Nohara Hiroshi quickly flipped through the documents, his gaze stopping on the polling data page.
The latest polls showed that Shimazu Yoshihiro's approval rating had reached 43%, while Tanaka Mikami's was 46%. The gap between the two had narrowed from the previous 10 percentage points to 3 percentage points.
More crucially, among young voters aged 25-30 and voters engaged in cultural and handicraft industries, Shimazu Yoshihiro's approval rating had already surpassed Tanaka Mikami's, reaching 51% and 58% respectively.
"This result is better than expected." Nohara Hiroshi put down the documents, his tone carrying a hint of affirmation. "The core of the information cocoon is 'precise matching,' avoiding vague generalizations. Judging from the data, different groups have all received the policy information they care about. Especially for young people, their emotional identification with 'Kasou Taishou' has been successfully converted into support for your policies."
The Minister of Campaign Promotion beside them added: "Mr. Nohara, currently, subway stations, bus stops, mall LED screens, and even community notice boards in Tokyo City are covered with our promotional materials. TV Tokyo and Kanto TV play the short promotional video you directed during prime time every day. NHK, due to the cooperative relationship from 'A Bite,' has also agreed to insert our policy interpretation broadcasts on their documentary channel. According to public opinion monitoring, online discussion volume about 'Shimazu Yoshihiro's Cultural Rejuvenation of the City' has increased by 87% in the last week, with positive reviews accounting for 72%. There is already a faint trend of surpassing Tanaka Mikami."
A gratified smile appeared on Shimazu Yoshihiro's face. He picked up his teacup and took a sip: "This is all due to your merit! When you first proposed this 'Information Cocoon' idea, I was even worried it was too radical, but I didn't expect the effect to be this good. Tanaka Mikami's side is still relying on extensive newspaper ads and street speeches for promotion, failing completely to grasp the voters' pain points."
However, Nohara Hiroshi shook his head: "We cannot let our guard down. Tanaka Mikami has operated in Tokyo City for over ten years;
his foundation is very deep, and he has the financial support of Sato Tokugawa. Therefore, he will definitely fight back next. Our current advantage is only temporary. We must press on while the iron is hot."
The smile on Shimazu Yoshihiro's face gradually faded. He put down his teacup, gently tapped his finger on the tabletop, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness: "You're right. Our biggest challenge right now is still real estate. The real estate market in Japan is too hot right now, and housing prices in Tokyo City are still rising. Sato Tokugawa's several new projects sold out as soon as they launched. Many citizens who own real estate have seen their assets constantly appreciating;
they fundamentally don't want to see the real estate market cool down, and naturally aren't willing to stop supporting Tanaka Mikami—after all, Tanaka Mikami has always advocated 'vigorously developing real estate and promoting urban expansion'."
He paused and picked up a negative feedback form:
"Look, this is voter feedback we received. 30% of middle-aged voters explicitly stated they are worried our 'economic transformation' policy will affect housing prices, so they temporarily won't support us. Some voters even questioned me during street speeches, asking if our goal is to devalue everyone's real estate."
Nohara Hiroshi rubbed his chin, his gaze becoming deep.
He recalled the history he knew before transmigrating. The real estate bubble in Japan reached its peak in 1991. Behind the apparent prosperity was the hollowing out of the real economy and the high debt of the people.
He looked up at Shimazu Yoshihiro, his tone firm: "Former President Shimazu, have you ever thought that the current real estate market is actually already deformed to a critical point?"
Shimazu Yoshihiro was stunned for a moment: "What do you mean?"
"The current average housing price in Tokyo City is over twenty-five times the annual income of an ordinary office worker." Nohara Hiroshi analyzed, counting on his fingers. "A university graduate who just entered the workforce wouldn't be able to afford a fifty-square-meter apartment even if they didn't eat or drink for twenty years. Moreover, many companies have withdrawn funds from the real economy and invested them in real estate, resulting in fewer and fewer jobs in manufacturing and services, making it increasingly difficult for young people to find work. Haven't you noticed? There are more unemployed people on the streets recently, and the occupancy rate of capsule hotels is almost full—everyone is almost unable to hold on."
Shimazu Yoshihiro frowned tightly and remained silent for a moment: "I am aware of these problems, but right now the real estate market is widely entangled. Many voters rely on real estate appreciation to improve their lives. If we directly oppose real estate, it's equivalent to pushing this demographic of voters to Tanaka Mikami."
"We don't need to directly oppose it." Nohara Hiroshi's tone was calm but carried unquestionable power. "We can softly release some rumors, such as revealing that 'some banks are evaluating mortgage risks and might tighten lending quotas,' or 'a certain large real estate company has postponed starting new projects due to tight capital chains' and similar news. Once this news spreads, it will inevitably affect the real estate sector in the stock market, and the stock market's fluctuations will conversely affect the public's confidence in the real estate market, forming a chain reaction."
He paused and continued:
"The current real estate market is like a balloon blown up too big. You just need to gently poke a small hole, and it will slowly leak air. When everyone realizes that real estate is not a guaranteed profit, the policy foundation of Tanaka Mikami will naturally shake. Also, we can take the opportunity to promote the importance of a 'diversified economy,' emphasizing that fields like cultural industries, traditional handcrafts, and technological innovation are the pillars that can truly provide stable employment and sustainable development."
Shimazu Yoshihiro's eyes lit up, but then he quickly showed a difficult expression: "This idea is indeed good, but... some matters are beyond our control to decide."
He pointed upwards and smiled bitterly. "The real estate market involves the interests of too many Cabinet ministers behind the scenes. Sato Tokugawa donates to many Diet members every year, and relatives of many ministers serve in the real estate industry. Even Governor Koike Ryuichi does not dare to easily touch this cake. Without the tacit consent of the Cabinet, casually leaking rumors could very likely result in being charged with 'disrupting market order.' At that time, not only would the election be hopeless, but we might also invite disaster upon ourselves."
Nohara Hiroshi understood in his heart.
He knew the reason Japan's real estate bubble could be sustained for so long was precisely because of the intertwining interests in the superstructure. The Cabinet, Diet members, and real estate tycoons formed a massive web of interests that ordinary people simply couldn't shake.
He nodded and didn't insist further;
instead his tone carried a trace of imperceptible sighing: "I understand your concerns. Then let's change our approach and start from the pain points of the people's livelihood."
He picked up an employment data report:
"Look, the youth unemployment rate in Tokyo City has reached 8.7%, twice as high as five years ago. Many university graduates cannot find formal jobs and can only work part-time, practically unable to even afford rent. We can shoot more such short videos concerning people's livelihood, interviewing unemployed youth, office workers living in capsule hotels, and couples forced to postpone marriage in order to buy a house, letting more people realize that Tanaka Mikami's real estate policy only benefits a minority at the expense of the majority's happiness."
Looking at the data on the report, Shimazu Yoshihiro's expression became solemn.
He remembered his own hardships starting a business in his youth, and a surge of resonance welled up in his heart: "You're right, people's livelihood is the foundation. Tanaka Mikami only sees the short-term benefits brought by real estate but ignores the survival difficulties of ordinary people. We will start from this point, letting the voters know that what I want is not superficial prosperity, but a genuine life of stable living and peaceful work."
He turned to the Promotion Minister and said:
"Immediately arrange a team to interview unemployed university graduates, residents of capsule hotels, and traditional craftsmen to produce a series of short videos, to be broadcast during prime time on TV Tokyo and Kanto TV every day. Additionally, compile a special report on 'The People's Livelihood Dilemma Under the Real Estate Bubble,' print it into brochures, and distribute them for free in subway stations, communities, and schools."
"Yes, Mr. Shimazu!" The Promotion Minister quickly noted this down, turned, and briskly walked out of the office.
Leaving only Nohara Hiroshi and Shimazu Yoshihiro in the office, the atmosphere became somewhat silent for a moment.
The sunlight outside the window spilled in through the glass, illuminating the polling reports on the desk and also the deep thought on both of their faces.
Shimazu Yoshihiro picked up his teacup, took a sip of hot tea, his tone carrying a hint of emotion: "Hiroshi-kun, to be honest, I'm increasingly glad now that I didn't underestimate you back at TV Tokyo just because you were young. Your vision and perspective far exceed your age. If I can successfully get elected this time, Tokyo City's future cultural development and economic transformation will still have to rely on your help."
Looking at the elderly man before him, whose sideburns were already somewhat gray, a complex wave of emotions suddenly surged in Nohara Hiroshi's heart.
He knew that Shimazu Yoshihiro genuinely wanted to do something practical for Tokyo City, unlike Tanaka Mikami, who was only after profit.
He responded softly: "Former President Shimazu, you flatter me too much. I only did what I should have done. Moreover, I believe that even without me, you would have found the right direction. The reason I am willing to help you is because I feel your philosophy can truly make Tokyo City better."
He knew clearly in his heart that Japan's economy had already begun to show signs of decline in 1991.
The bursting of the real estate bubble was only a matter of time. The artificially high stock market, high corporate debt, and youth unemployment dilemma all indicated that a massive economic crisis was approaching.
In another two or three years, by 1994, the entire Japanese economy would completely plunge into the abyss, entering the long "Lost Decade."
This actually had no meaning regarding whether Shimazu Yoshihiro was elected or not.
Because...
This was a plan that the other side of the ocean had already set long ago!
"Right, Hiroshi-kun, the script for the short campaign promotional video you mentioned before, is it prepared?" Shimazu Yoshihiro suddenly changed the topic, his eyes full of expectation.
Nohara Hiroshi took the script from his briefcase and handed it over: "It's ready. This short video is divided into three parts: the first part utilizes clips from 'A Bite of Neon' to showcase the revival of traditional crafts driving the local economy;
the second part employs material from 'Kasou Taishou' to highlight the connection between people and the warmth within communities;
the third part involves you appearing on camera to articulate your policy propositions of 'Cultural Rejuvenation of the City, Economic Transformation, and People's Livelihood as the Foundation.' For the background music of the short video, I selected the theme song from 'Midnight Diner' to better trigger the audience's emotional resonance."
Shimazu Yoshihiro took the script and quickly flipped through it, the smile on his face growing more radiant: "Excellent! This idea is phenomenal! It not only leverages the influence of your works but also clearly conveys my policy propositions. When can we start shooting? I am available at any time."
"We can do it tomorrow," Nohara Hiroshi answered. "I have already contacted the shooting team at TV Tokyo. Hashimoto Ichiro will be in charge of on-site scheduling, and Yamamoto Takeshi will assist in refining the lines. The shooting location selected is the studio at Kanto TV. The equipment there is more advanced, and it can also avoid interference from Tanaka Mikami's people."
The two then discussed the shooting details of the short video and subsequent promotional plans for a while, securing everything from the locations for street speeches to interaction methods with voters, as well as counter-measures regarding public opinion.
Before they knew it, it was already noon.
Shimazu Yoshihiro kept Nohara Hiroshi at the campaign headquarters for lunch. The food in the cafeteria was very simple, just an ordinary set meal, but both ate with gusto.
During the meal, Shimazu Yoshihiro couldn't help but sign in emotion: "Hiroshi-kun, sometimes I truly feel like you don't resemble a 23-year-old young man. Your steadiness, your vision, your strategy, are all more formidable than many elders over sixty. Just how do you accomplish it?"
Nohara Hiroshi picked up a piece of tonkatsu, put it in his mouth and chewed slowly, his tone flat: "Perhaps after experiencing a lot, one understands what is most important. Regardless if one is shooting works or participating in a campaign, the core is grasping people's hearts—understanding what everyone genuinely needs, then using methods they can accept to actualize those needs."
Shimazu Yoshihiro nodded in deep agreement: "You are right. Grasping people's hearts allows one to grasp everything. Tanaka Mikami is just too impatient for quick success. He only thinks about making money off real estate but forgets that the people's hearts are the foundation."
After lunch, Nohara Hiroshi left the campaign headquarters.
Stepping out of the main gate, the glaring sunlight met him. He looked up at the sky above Tokyo City, his heart full of firmness.
The next dozen days or so would be a tough battle, but he possessed the confidence and ability to assist Shimazu Yoshihiro in winning this election.
He knew that the wheels of history continually rolled forward, and Japan's economic crisis was ultimately unavoidable.
But he hoped that through his efforts, he could minimize the harm this crisis brought upon himself, his friends, and realtives, and seize opportunities to fish in muddied waters, even snagging gold.
And all of this had to start from helping Shimazu Yoshihiro win this election.
Thinking of this, a contemptuous smile appeared at the corner of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth: "Economic crisis? For those high-ups who don't treat the citizens as their own people, haven't they already prepared themselves to turn into monsters that devour their own kind to fatten themselves?"
(Chapter Ends)