novelraw Chapter 80: Variety Show Promotion! The Entire Neon Anticipates!
Chapter 80: Variety Show Promotion! The Entire Neon Anticipates!
In the final week of June, Tokyo, and even the entire Kanto region, seemingly were stirred by the name 『Tales of the Unusual』, turning into a vortex, and continuously filling various public opinions inside.
Just like a bomb.
Tugging at everyone's attention and level of focus.
After all according to the contract, TV Tokyo practically utilized the resources of the entire station, to conduct a quite solemn promotional bombardment for this S-class project about to broadcast at exactly the 9 PM time slot on July 1st.
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Of course TV Tokyo is also very familiar with this bit. After all, it's not like they never had S-class projects in the past, just follow the routine procedures and it's fine.
Monday 8 PM.
The ace variety show whose viewership ratings were perennially stable above 15% 『Stars Shining in the Starry Sky』. Nohara Hiroshi acting as a special guest, appeared in that gorgeous studio hall.
He wore a well-fitting Armani casual suit, facing that Teacher Tamori a national-level host famous for his sharp and incisive words, his face continuously bearing that signature, calm and indifferent gentle smile.
Nohara Hiroshi could be said to be bearing an elegant demeanor.The program continued.
"So, Teacher Nohara."
Tamori slightly leaned his body forward. In those eyes hiding behind sunglasses, sparkled an astute light, "For you to resolutely and unhesitatingly jump out of the animation field where you created viewership myths this time, heading to the even more tragic live-action drama battlefield, is it a brand-new challenge, or rather... you believe, animation, is already incapable of carrying your talents anymore?"
This question, asked extremely trickily.
It both highly extolled Nohara Hiroshi, while obscurely placing him in opposition to all animation industry practitioners.
This is manufacturing a topic of discussion.
And also...
A pit dug for Nohara Hiroshi by the Tokyo Faction!
When the host Tamori uttered this sentence, he peacefully waited for Nohara Hiroshi's answer.
However when looking at this overly young Nohara Hiroshi, a trace of inability to bear it also surfaced in his eyes. After all he had also heard of the rumors, also watched 『Yamishibai』, and even watched 『YuYu Hakusho』. He truly quite appreciates this talented young man.
But he has no choice.
He, Tamori, is exactly the head variety show host of the Tokyo Faction, and must serve for the sake of the Tokyo Faction's interests.
Throwing out a small stumbling block, or utilizing a small insidious trick at a crucial time.
These are all common occurrences.
If you force your way through.
It illustrates high emotional intelligence, illustrates high IQ, illustrates you are a big shot.
As for if you can't force your way through...
Then you just can't force your way through.
After all the one making a fool of themselves is the guest, not him Tamori, and it can even increase the sense of topic discussion for the variety show. This is simply a great thing achieving several goals with one stroke.
This is exactly also the reason why variety shows are evaluated so poorly.
Thereupon following Tamori's words.
The air inside the studio hall instantly became somewhat heavy.
The gazes of all audiences present, focused onto that young man's body.
However Nohara Hiroshi yet merely peacefully smiled. That voice, passing through the microphone, clearly transmitted into every person's ears:
"Teacher Tamori, you're joking. Animation and live-action dramas, to me, are not two divergent mediums, they are all merely... methods of telling stories and nothing more."
"What 『Yamishibai』 tells, are exactly those 'urban legends', circulating amongst the streets and alleys, belonging to the past. While my 『Tales of the Unusual』 this time, what it wants to tell, exactly are 'urban legends', occurring by our sides, belonging to the present, and even... belonging to the future."
He paused, inside those eyes shockingly bright beneath the spotlights, flashed a kind of profoundness penetrating through everything.
"As for why I didn't continue producing season three of 『Yamishibai』, the reason is very simple. Because my energy is limited. I hope to invest my entire enthusiasm, into the creation of this 『Tales of the Unusual』 which to me, is even more important."
"Therefore, I had no choice but to reluctantly part with what I treasure, entrusting this sign of 『Yamishibai』 that I incomparably cherish, to Section Chief Iwata and his team, these excellent colleagues whom I trust. I believe, they can definitely continue this brilliance."
This spiel was spoken water-tightly without flaws.
It resolved the audience's doubt, while also giving ample face to the station, and in passing, additionally gifting a tall hat named trust and excellence, to that group of guys in the Iwata Section.
As for whether exactly they felt shedding tears of gratitude under that hat, or felt like sitting on pins and needles, then only they themselves know.
At least Nohara Hiroshi is quite eagerly awaiting what happens.
The second day after the program broadcasted, major newspapers and magazines, seemingly having made a prior agreement, collectively detonated this public opinion bomb.
The headline of the entertainment section of 『Asahi Shimbun』, using bolded black text, printed an title possessing extreme impact —— 【The Father of 『Yamishibai』, Nohara Hiroshi! Bringing Live-Action Urban Legends, Returning to the Jianghu Again!】
The article was accompanied by a high-definition photo of Nohara Hiroshi on the program. Within the photo, he was confident, unhurried, as if those clear eyes contained the whimsical ideas of a universe.
"... He is like a magician from an alternate dimension, always capable of pulling out from that seemingly ordinary pocket of his, some miraculous gadgets that leave us ordinary mortals, dumbfounded and staring blankly."
"From 『Yamishibai』 to 『YuYu Hakusho』, and then to this 『Tales of the Unusual』 which hasn't even broadcasted yet, yet has already piqued everyone's appetites. We have reason to believe, this young man merely twenty-three years of age, will use that unconstrained heaven-horse-like imagination of his, to once again open a door leading towards a new world for us..."
Of course, where there is praise, naturally there is also no lack of doubts.
『Shukan Bunshun』, famous for its venomous tongue, consequently published a commentary article penned by the veteran film critic "Spicy Kara-Jishi".
【From 2D to 3D, the Fall of a Genius, or the Bubble of an Era?】
"... We never deny Nohara Hiroshi's astonishing talent within the animation and manga domains. But we must clearheadedly recognize, animation and live-action dramas, are two completely divergent art forms."
"The charm of animation, lies in it being able to use the most exaggerated lines and colors, to construct an entirely fictional world."
"While the foundation of a live-action drama, instead lies in its authentic depiction towards reality. Nohara Hiroshi attempting to use that set of 'urban legend' theories of his filled with fantasy colors, to control a live-action drama, this in itself, is a high-stakes bet nearing suicide."
"We are very worried, this genius who was lifted onto the altar of gods, ultimately will because of this struggling to adapt to the new environment, fall and be entirely pulverized..."
Praises and doubts, holding up high and singing its downfall.
Two completely divergent voices, under the deliberate guidance of the media, rapidly fermented into a massive debate sweeping across the entire nation.
In a short period of time, the name Nohara Hiroshi, and the drama 『Tales of the Unusual』, became the hottest topic of this summer.
On the trams, inside offices, amidst Izakayas, everywhere could hear people's discussions.
And right amidst this intensifying public opinion storm, the late-night slot reruns of 『Yamishibai』 seasons one and two on TV Tokyo, unexpectedly the viewership ratings also grew higher and higher following along, at one point breaking through the 5% major barrier, creating a viewership miracle for a rerun drama.
This unexpected joy made Asumi unable to close his mouth from smiling.
And he also knew.
Following this wave of debate, the topic popularity of Nohara Hiroshi's 『Tales of the Unusual』 had already been maxed out amongst those audience groups nationwide.
All the groundwork, all the anticipation, had already converged into an unstoppable torrential flood.
Just awaiting 9 PM on July 1st, that moment of opening the floodgates to release the floodwaters.
However what made Asumi feel helpless was.
The season three of 『Yamishibai』 produced by the Iwata Section, also surfed a wave of massive attention following the promotion of Nohara Hiroshi and 『Tales of the Unusual』.
Everyone also one after another began to pay attention to 『Yamishibai Season Three』.
Causing Asumi's eyes to gain a bit of suppression.
He could definitely imagine, that person behind Iwata Masao, the Executive Deputy Director of the Production Bureau of TV Tokyo, that gloomy smiling face of Takada Toshihide.
...
July 1st, 8:50 PM.
Inside the office of the 【Nohara Hiroshi Special Production Team】, it was brightly lit.
The air permeated with a special aura of tension.
The entire core members of the director team of 『Tales of the Unusual』, not missing a single person, all gathered together here.
In front of that newest model Sony Trinitron television specially dragged over from the props warehouse, at this time was also surrounded by a crowd of people.
Sato Kenji and Yamamoto Takeshi, these two veteran generals accustomed to seeing wind and waves, at this moment also resembled two students about to welcome a massive examination, sitting and standing uneasily, continuously looking at the watches on their wrists.
The three veterans Minamura Hoshi, Haseji Kakeru, and Kitagawa Yao, were even more so tense to the point their palms were sweating. Those three pairs of eyes, stared fixedly at the pitch-black television screen, as if wanting to use telekinesis, to glare that destiny-deciding program out.
Only Kurosawa Eiji, this former king, still maintained a bit of composure.
He sat peacefully on the sofa in the corner, holding a cup of piping hot, fragrant black coffee in his hands. Those sharp eyes, merely peacefully watched that group of young people resembling ants on a hot pan, his mouth corners bearing a smear of a knowing smile.
This is exactly the advantage brought by age and life experience.
Stability.
Unfazed by waves.
However when Kurosawa Eiji turned his head, looking at Nohara Hiroshi in the back, facing his composed appearance, and even a quite relaxed posture, his gaze increasingly sparkled with the light of lamenting.
Because as the center of this storm, Nohara Hiroshi truly could be considered the most relaxed one among everyone.
He even had the leisurely mood, to personally brew a pot of pour-over coffee for everyone. That rich aroma, to a certain degree, alleviated that tension nearing solidification inside the office.
"Everyone don't be nervous."
He handed the cups of still steaming hot coffee, into the hands of everyone. On his face was still that calm and indifferent smiling appearance: "We've already done everything we can do. The rest, exactly leave it to the audiences to judge."
The program is about to begin.
So just waiting will be fine.
At the same time, in Tokyo, in Osaka, in Kumamoto, inside thousands upon thousands of households across the entire Neon.
Countless pairs of eyes, also identically focused in front of their own home's television screens.
Shinjuku, Kabukicho, Midnight Diner.
The boss Mizukami Sho wiped the plates in his hands, his gaze yet intermittently glancing towards that small television machine on the wall.
Before the bar counter, a few nightclub bouncers having just finished work, while drinking ice-cold beer, excitingly discussed.
"Hey, say, that new program of Nohara Hiroshi's, exactly what will it look like?"
"I'm actually a bit worried. What those film critics on the newspapers said, isn't completely without logic. Animation and live-action dramas, the difference is too massive, don't mess it up."
"Who knows? However, the guy capable of making even our yakuza big bro admire him, the things he films, definitely won't be average!"
"Hey hey hey! Stop calling me a yakuza! How many times have I said it! Don't cause trouble for Big Bro! Bakayaro!"
"Hai hai! Please forgive me! I was just too excited!"
Suginami Ward, inside a certain bachelor apartment.
Ko Kaoruhana, Fujii Itsuki, and Watanabe Ryu the three of them, were currently sitting around a small low table. Placed on the table were a few cans of beer and a plate of edamame.
Ever since finishing filming last time, they became friends.
After all they had all interacted before in Kanto TV.
Now being together again due to chance coincidence.
Naturally they are friends.
Especially today is exactly the time the first episode of the first season of Nohara Hiroshi's 『Tales of the Unusual』 airs. They of course made an appointment to gather together, planning to take a look at how their own performances were.
"Ahhh... so nervous! Even more nervous than me acting myself!" Ko Kaoruhana pressed her hands together, pushing against her chin, those pretty big eyes written full of praying.
"Relax," Fujii Itsuki poured a mouthful of beer, feigning calmness speaking: "With Teacher Nohara here, absolutely no problems."
Although he said so, those slightly trembling fingertips of his, still exposed the true emotions in his heart.
While amidst their anticipating gazes, the advertisements on the television screen ended.
Nine o'clock sharp.
A burst of eerie, ethereal, yet bearing a kind of wondrously attractive melody, without any warning, resounded throughout the television set's speakers.
That melody was exactly like flowing out from an ancient music box.
Every single note, was like a cold feather, gently, scratching at the heartstrings of all listeners.
『It's here!』
Everyone at this moment, held their breaths.
The imagery lit up on the screen.
No intense opening animation, no dazzling special effects.
Only an all-black background, a desk lamp emitting a soft light, a retro leather sofa, and... a man wearing a black suit, wearing sunglasses, peacefully sitting there.
The camera slowly pushed closer.
When that sharp-edged side profile of that man full of the sediment feeling of the years, clearly presented itself before everyone.
The entire Neon seemingly had the pause button pressed on it.
Everyone subconsciously held their breaths.
The next second, a tsunami-like sound of gasps in surprise, simultaneously erupted in countless households, countless Izakayas, and countless student dorms!
"My heavens! That... that isn't... Director Kurosawa Eiji?!"
"Director Kurosawa Eiji!"
"It's really Director Kurosawa Eiji! He actually guest-starred in Nohara Hiroshi's program!"
Inside the Midnight Diner, the plate in Mizukami Sho's hands dropped onto the ground with a "clang" sound, yet he was completely oblivious.
Kurosawa Eiji is exactly the object of his worship!
"This... this how is this possible?! Letting a national treasure-level Level 1 Director, come act as the host for an episodic drama?! That Nohara Hiroshi... exactly what kind of monster is he?!"
"A liar right?! My eyes aren't playing tricks on me right?! It's really Director Kurosawa!"
Countless taxi drivers, amidst the gaps of waiting for red lights, unbelievably looked at that familiar yet unfamiliar face on the car's television, feeling their own worldview, at this moment, was thoroughly overturned!
And inside the office of the 【Nohara Hiroshi Special Production Team】, Minamura Hoshi, Haseji Kakeru, and Kitagawa Yao, looking at that face they couldn't be more familiar with on the television, listening by their ears to the continuous sounds of gasps of amazement even from their own team members praising 'the filming angle is truly good' and 'the camera sense is truly too strong'.
On those three young faces, by prior agreement, surfaced a kind of supreme pride of sharing the glory, sufficient to make them puff up their chests!
This is exactly the merit of their Section Chief Nohara Hiroshi!
"Formidable." Even Kurosawa Eiji at this time also gently nodded his head. Although it's not the first time seeing himself in the first episode, but this kind of filming angle, and camera sense, including the lighting that struck over back then, and the specially edited close-up shots, all left him extremely satisfied.
Including these members in the team responsible for photography and camera capture. At this time thinking about Nohara Hiroshi's demands back then, and the distributed manuscripts.
Entirely conducting filming and all kinds of lighting based on the requests.
Ultimately forming such excellent imagery.
Also made them gasp in amazement.
Since even professional members like them gasp in amazement, let alone those audience masses across the entire nation.
At this time also feeling that Director Kurosawa Eiji... is both handsome and cool!
And perfectly full of a sense of mystery!
Right amidst this massive shock sweeping the entire nation, on the screen, that mysterious man, slowly opened his mouth.
"Humans, are an inconceivable creature..."
That hoarse, steady voice full of magnetism, like a pair of invisible hands, instantly choked the throats of all audiences, dragging them, without allowing any explanation, into that unfolding, wondrous world filled with the unknown and surprises...