Chapters 1347 and 1356: Every era has its own rare collectibles!
Chapters 1347 and 1356: Every era has its own rare collectibles!
Chapters 1347 and 1356: Every era has its own rare collectibles!
Surprisingly, Naoki Nagayama thought that roasted turkey wasn't actually that bad.
"How is it?" Akina blinked her big eyes expectantly at her husband. "It tastes alright, doesn't it?"
"Well"
Naoki Nagayama chewed a few times, then swallowed.
"Surprisingly good!"
I had expected the turkey meat to be dry and tough, but it was surprisingly not hard to swallow.
Of course, it's not as tender or juicy, but with its crispy crust and sauce, the large chunks of white meat are quite satisfying to eat.
Besides the roast turkey, there were other delicious accompaniments, such as salmon and roasted apples. This Christmas dinner, prepared by Ming Cai herself, was just as good as any restaurant meal.
Even Xiaoxiahua was happily munching on a small piece of chicken, perhaps even grinding her teeth a little.
"Right!" Akina was overjoyed. "I even asked Yu-chan to teach me an authentic recipe!"
Yu Hayami is hailed as the most fashionable idol, having been heavily influenced by Western culture.
"No wonder."
Naoki Nagayama nodded and continued slicing some meat with his knife.
"Then I'm going to have a big appetite today!"
Akina smiled, her eyes crinkling, her face radiating the happiness of being fed.
"You can eat until you're stuffed, no problem!"
After the two adults finished eating the flavorful crispy crust and the chicken that had absorbed the flavor, the remaining large chunk of turkey meat was given to the dog, who was already drooling. The chicken was too thick and had no flavor at all, so there was no need to even dip it in the broth to remove the taste!
Even Nyantaro got a piece of his neck to nibble on!
After finishing their Christmas dinner, the family snuggled up on the sofa in the living room watching TV. It just so happened that Akina was appearing on the Christmas special of "Yoru Hit".
During the program, each guest appeared in turn, wishing the audience a Merry Christmas with wonderful performances. As one of the three major music programs of the Showa era, "Yoru Hit" is of excellent quality, and the program was truly spectacular!
Akina was the most beautiful of them all. When Akina's performance came on as the grand finale, Naoki Nagayama exclaimed:
"Wow, Akina is so pretty in Sakura Fubuki!"
"Right~~" Akina's face showed a smug look, "This stage outfit was carefully prepared by me and Yosuke!"
"Mmm, super beautiful!"
Naoki Nagayama provided plenty of emotional support, making his wife Akina even happier, and she couldn't resist leaning in and kissing their daughter in her arms.
"Oh, by the way, Nishirumi-san from Fuji TV said she'd like to visit you when you have some free time, Naoki-san~"
Upon hearing this, Naoki Nagayama nodded:
"Ah, Nishirumi-san. She called before, saying she wanted to ask me to give her feedback on a new variety show. But I didn't have time, so I just brushed her off."
"programme?"
"Yeah, variety shows these days are getting more and more outrageous. 'Super Transformation' isn't even sparing animals anymore!"
"Hahaha"
Hearing Naoki Nagayama's sarcastic remarks, Akina laughed as well. This creative show, "Super Transformation," is increasingly pushing the boundaries of human imagination!
"Variety shows rely on novelty to succeed. Fuji Television shouldn't focus its energy on variety shows; instead, it should invest its energy in producing more dramas."
Naoki Nagayama analyzed Fuji Television's decision-making and expressed little optimism about their current variety show plans, especially in reality shows. He felt it would be difficult for any program to surpass Running Man.
"Isn't Naoki-san going to film 'Full House' next year? It should still be on Fuji TV, right?"
"Um"
At this point, Naoki Nagayama suddenly paused, realizing that the framework agreement he signed with Fuji Television a long time ago was expiring next year!
Shouldn't the tree-loving friends try collaborating with other TV stations as well? After all, you can't have only one ally!
However, he is now a shareholder of Fuji, which seems to put him in a very difficult situation.
The two were talking softly. Xiao Xiahua, who had just finished eating, was sitting between them on the warm sofa, listening to her parents' reassuring words, and began to doze off.
By the time the end credits song for "Night Hit" finished playing, the little guy had already fallen into a deep sleep!
"Oh no, I haven't washed my face yet!"
"It's okay, Hua Jiang is still a child. She wipes her face countless times a day. It's alright!"
Naoki Nagayama carried the little one towards the bedroom and gently placed him on the bed.
Just then, a trail of fireworks exploded in the sky in the distance, their vibrant colors reflected in the window like brilliant flowers in a picture frame.
“It’s so beautiful~”
The Christmas holiday is probably one of the busiest times in Tokyo. Without the tedious rituals and visiting relatives and friends of the Spring Festival, it's a pure holiday!
Workers are almost on holiday, and schools have started their winter break. Adults and children alike have some free time, so they can go see this movie together.
The decision to premiere "My Neighbor Totoro" on this day was made with great care!
However, unexpectedly, it snowed on Christmas Day. Love Letter came out of nowhere, catching the publicity department off guard. But after they reacted, they focused on different audiences in the subsequent promotion and still achieved good results.
"A refreshing movie!" "I never expected Tree Friends Pictures to be so gentle." "I don't want to say much else, but Totoro is just so cute!"
Numerous film critics quickly published their reviews, praising "My Neighbor Totoro" in the first newspaper of Christmas.
Everyone agreed that this TV series is a great show for families to watch together, and recommended that all parents take their children to see it.
How much of this was due to financial influence is something I won't go into detail about, but most viewers who have seen the film are supportive of it.
Shiina Mishima, who watched "My Neighbor Totoro" before "Love Letter" yesterday, commented as follows:
"Both movies were moving, and then they moved me to tears!"
Shiina Mishima felt warmth while watching "My Neighbor Totoro," and was deeply moved when she watched "Love Letter."
Her boyfriend, Miku Sho Honda, actually prefers watching "My Neighbor Totoro" because it reminds him of his childhood, listening to stories told by his grandmother. It's a childlike innocence that he has long buried in his heart!
As for "Love Letter," as a straight man, he doesn't seem to have experienced the awkwardness and unrequited love of his teenage years. He remembers that he spent most of his junior high school years playing soccer, and in high school...
Well, because she's on the school team, Shiina Mishima is pursuing her.
"Overall, it's pretty good!"
Shiina Mishima had a Totoro doll keychain hanging on her bag; its cute design perfectly suited her taste.
"I never expected to receive a charm when I watch a movie!"
"yes."
This is one of the promotional activities by Tree Friends Films. Audience members who watch the premiere will receive an adorable Totoro plush toy or keychain.
More and more teenagers in Tokyo are getting Totoro plush toys, and gradually, a competitive atmosphere is emerging.
"I watched it at the Shinjuku Cinema, so I got a Totoro plushie!"
"The Totoro miniature version is cuter. They give it away at the movie theaters in Ikebukuro!"
"My Totoro is holding an umbrella!" "Mine is carrying a bundle!"
The comparison of toys among elementary school students is just as intense as, and perhaps even more direct than, the comparison among adults!
Those without Totoro plushies are easily excluded from conversations and may even be isolated.
This has led more and more elementary school students to ask their parents to take them to see "My Neighbor Totoro"!
Naoki Nagayama's desired effect was indeed achieved very easily!
Of course, some public intellectuals have also noticed this, and together with education experts, they have begun to criticize it on public platforms:
"While the movie 'My Neighbor Totoro' was good, the promotional activities fueled a competitive mentality among students, which is unacceptable!"
"We should increase the sales channels for 'Totoro plush toys' so that all students who want to buy them can get their hands on them!"
"Yeah, it's just a toy! How can it be sold like a luxury item with scarcity tactics?!"
"Tree friends also need to pay more attention to social responsibility!"
Naoki Nagayama, upon seeing these reports, merely responded with a cold laugh. These guys, do they even realize that every era has its own rare luxuries for young people?
From the early Barbie dolls to Transformers, to Lego bears and then to plush toys, do you know LABUBU?
In short, their Totoro plush toys will become the most fashionable and rare collectibles for young people in this era!
Once this collecting trend takes off, the money from selling plush toys and related merchandise might even rival the box office revenue!
Meanwhile, in the publicity department of the Tree Friends Building.
"Ikebukuro Cinema, requesting more event gifts!" Susumu Ishikawa shouted to the event planner, covering the phone. "Add a thousand more over there!"
"Hi!"
Before the call ended, another phone rang.
"Moshi moshi, this is Tree Friends Cinema." "What? You need to increase screenings? There's not enough film stock?"
Eiichiro Watanabe hung up the phone, immediately stood up, and gave the order.
"I'm going to the film technology factory to urge them to release a new film print!"
"Ishikawa, you'll be in charge of PR and communications from now on!"
"Hi"
Even after Eiichiro Watanabe left, the hustle and bustle of the publicity department didn't subside at all. It felt like the entire department at Tree Friends Pictures, which was already working overtime, became even busier!
Shuichi Itō didn't rest at all this Christmas; in fact, he was even busier!
With the prime minister's nomination fast approaching, campaign activities have become increasingly frequent. He was even attending a rally in a shopping mall on Christmas Day, and couldn't even go home to give Jia Yi a gift.
During his break, he couldn't help but feel annoyed:
"Is this direction of political participation a bit wrong?"
As the Shuyu Group grew, Shuichi Itō actually changed careers quite a few times, from being a director to head of the company's film department, then to president of the film association, and finally to his current political career.
It's not really his fault for being so fickle; it's just that his position among tree enthusiasts is somewhat awkward.
First and foremost, Naoki Nagayama is undoubtedly the core of the fandom. He is a renowned director, writer, and producer who has overseen almost all of the fandom's major productions, earning them substantial box office success and accolades.
Secondly, Yoshimura Daitomo is an indispensable operator of the group, responsible for its daily operations and development. He has devoted almost all his energy to the company, growing it from a small company with just a few people to a large group with over a thousand employees. This journey has been made possible by Daitomo's hard work!
Therefore, compared to the others, the last of the three giants of the tree-loving community pales in comparison.
As a director, he is not as good as Naoki Nagayama, and there is even some overlap between his character and the character; as a day-to-day manager, he is not as important as Otomo Yoshimura. This is a bit awkward!
Just because he was one of the three founders and contributed the studio at the beginning doesn't mean he can occupy the highest management position forever!
Just like angel investors, whose shareholding percentage remains unchanged through round after round of financing.
While angel investors can be very helpful in the early stages, their role diminishes as the company grows, making it somewhat inappropriate for them to maintain such a large stake.
Therefore, Shuichi Itō had no choice but to begin his own breakthrough and find a new position. Fortunately, he was still young and had many possibilities.
The president of the film association seems insufficient to match the current tree friends, so naturally, the focus should shift to developing political influence, which is what tree friends lack most!
“There’s definitely no mistake!” Shuichi Itō shook his head, trying to encourage himself. “When Doi-san becomes prime minister, I will be a meritorious contributor, and I will definitely be rewarded for my contributions!”
"I am determined to protect the interests of tree enthusiasts in the political arena! I will become an important bridge between tree enthusiasts and the political arena!"
Having figured this out, Shuichi Itō reorganized his thoughts and began heading towards the congressman's office.
"Mr. Doi, the campaign activities at the department store have concluded, and the voters showed strong interest!"
Shuichi Itō reported on the election results.
"I believe they will offer their opinions on the representatives they have chosen!"
"Well, thank you for your hard work!"
Doi Tagako nodded; she was very satisfied with Itō Shuichi.
"Shuichi-san, how's it going with getting the celebrities to support my campaign?!"
"Ms. Doi, some second-tier actresses have already started to express their opinions!"
Shuichi Itō was full of confidence.
"Supporting women's political participation has now become politically correct, and more and more celebrities will spontaneously join in the future!"
"Hmm, political correctness, that's a good term!"
Doi Tagako's eyes lit up; perhaps this concept could be used in her campaign platform!
Once supporting oneself becomes politically correct, let's see who can compete with one!
"Shuichi-san really does have the expertise of a director from the Tree Friends Film Studio; he has his own understanding of how to present and promote a film!"
"Mr. Doi, you flatter me."
Doi Tagako paused for a moment, then said meaningfully,
"Shuichi-san, I heard that Naoki Nagayama's business empire includes not only the Shuyu Group but also an investment company. It seems to be facing difficulties at the moment?"
"Um..." Shuichi Itō thought for a moment, but decided not to lie and nodded directly, "Yes, Naoki-san's investment company in the United States is embroiled in some business disputes."
"However, I can assure you that Naoki-san would never do anything that violates local laws!"
"Oh? So there's another reason?!"
"Hi, it might be related to the upper echelons of the US financial system. There are other factors at play."
"Ah, I understand!"
Doi Tagako nodded.
"Shuichi-san, you are my capable assistant. The Tree Friends Group also strongly supports our party. Rest assured, I have always been very friendly to my friends!"
"This"
Itō Shuuichi's mind raced for a moment before he realized that this was Tagako Doi's promise to help!
He answered somewhat excitedly:
"Mr. Doi, we tree lovers will always be your loyal supporters!!"
"That's great, I hope this relationship can last."
"."
You know, when it comes to making grand promises, politicians are absolutely the best!
Takako Doi, who became a prime ministerial candidate despite being a woman, is even more adept at it!
Looking at the even more enthusiastic Itō Shuichi, Doi Tagako shook her head and sighed softly. He's still too young!
Did I just promise anything? Absolutely nothing!
Simply expressing his opinion was enough to make Shuichi Itō wholeheartedly dedicate himself to his election campaign.
Whether or not to help the Shuyou Group after taking office depends on the actual exchange of benefits!
In politics, people in their forties and fifties are still considered young!
(End of this chapter)
N-M