N-M Chapters 1342 and 1351: The hearts of adults are all filthy!
Chapters 1342 and 1351: The hearts of adults are all filthy!
Chapters 1342 and 1351: The hearts of adults are all filthy!
An important meeting is being held in the large conference room on the fifth floor of the Tree Friends Building.
"Naoki Mulberry"
Miyazaki Hayao placed the edited version of "My Neighbor Totoro" into the projector and asked Naoki Nagayama for his approval.
"You can start playing now!"
"Okay, let's take a look!"
Naoki Nagayama, also filled with anticipation, turned to Yoshimura Otomo, Itō Shuichi, Aoyama Gosho, and others around him and said...
"This 'My Neighbor Totoro' movie took more than half a year to make!"
Since the beginning of the year, this animation, which was produced by acquiring the entire Studio Ghibli, has finally reached the final acceptance stage.
Naoki Nagayama, as the initiator, was particularly concerned and eager to see if the film, influenced by his vision, would differ from the one in his mind.
As the projector started, the first thing to appear on the medium-sized screen was a chibi-style black and white Totoro carrying a bag, slowly crossing the screen and leaving white footprints. These footprints then slowly transformed into Totoro's head, and finally into the title of the movie – "My Neighbor Totoro".
Unlike previous films, this time the producers, director, illustrator, and so on are revealed at the very beginning, and then the main feature begins.
Naoki Nagayama simply blinked silently at this, without saying anything more.
The film opens with a rural scene under a blue sky and white clouds. Neat rows of fields are filled with lush green crops, brimming with life, a beautiful pastoral landscape under the gentle breeze and bright sunshine.
Next, naturally, a small truck carrying two young sisters arrived at this beautiful countryside.
The slightly older sister has short, neat hair, while the younger sister is innocent and adorable. This world is full of peace and beauty. Then, there's the kind neighbor lady and the shy boy.
And most importantly, the legendary Totoro—one big and three small!
Naoki Nagayama was immersed in "My Neighbor Totoro" before him, as if he had returned to the time when he first saw it. At that time, he was a boy who was attracted by such beautiful scenery and longed for such a pastoral life.
Although he later realized that this idyllic countryside was just a city boy's fantasy, in those underdeveloped times, real rural life was both hard and bitter.
As for Miyazaki Hayao's "My Neighbor Totoro" under Naoki Nagayama's guidance, apart from the more complex art style and more exquisite visuals, it is pretty much the same.
Without Naoki Nagayama, the original publisher, Tokuma Shoten, wouldn't have had such a large investment, as well as such good equipment and manpower.
"Naoki-san~"
Shuichi Itō commented in a low voice,
"It looks great, perfect for kids."
"This film explores themes of childhood innocence, family, and growth, making it a great watch for adults as well."
Naoki Nagayama replied quietly.
"Actually, even adults have a childlike side to them!"
"."
Itō Shuu opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to retort, but then closed it again. He couldn't let others know that his heart was filled with thoughts of lust, money, and pleasure!
Naoki-san, you're wrong. Adults' hearts are all dirty; there's no innocence left!
Yoshimura Otomo also spoke up:
"Ah, I only saw this kind of rural scene when I was a child~ Seeing it again now brings back so many memories."
"Haha, childhood memories really do come back to me every six months!"
While the three executives were discussing in hushed tones, the plot of "My Neighbor Totoro" continued.
The appearance of that giant black Totoro was breathtaking. Lending out an umbrella during the rain showed the kindness of a child.
The eight-legged cat bus that arrives on the wind is filled with a magical growth ritual under the moonlit night, giving people a dreamlike feeling.
Beyond that, the mutual love between the sisters, the father's care for them, the longing for their sick mother, the friendliness of the village neighbors, and so on, all flow gently into the hearts of the viewers like a babbling brook.
It felt as if the adults in the conference room had collectively enjoyed a spiritual spa treatment, leaving them deeply moved.
When the movie ended, Naoki Nagayama was the first to applaud, followed by Shuichi and Otomo, and then everyone in the conference room applauded.
"A very good movie!"
Naoki Nagayama set the tone for this film.
"All that effort over the past six months hasn't been wasted! Miyazaki-kun, and also Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki."
He cast an approving glance at the three people from Studio Ghibli:
"You have not let me down!"
"!! "Arigato!" "Thank you for the affirmation, Naoki-san!"
The three main members of Studio Ghibli were also very happy at this moment. This was their first big project after joining the Tree Friends. The fact that they were able to complete it successfully and get the boss's approval meant that the raise they received back then was worthwhile!
And so came another round of gratitude~
"Alright, now that the movie is over, we should discuss marketing and distribution!"
Yoshimura Otomo gestured to Watanabe Eiichiro to distribute the publicity plan to everyone present:
"As our last film of the year, the pre-release promotion is complete, and we're about to begin the final promotional campaign!"
The film has already been promoted on various TV programs in the early stages, but since it is an animated film, it hasn't generated much discussion. It should be given a final boost before its release.
"Naoki-san, it's time for the preview screening."
"It's too late. Let's skip the preview screening!" Naoki Nagayama shook his head. "This is an animated film, mainly for children. They won't read film reviews in the newspapers or anything like that."
"Furthermore, it lacks the buzz and star power that celebrity actors bring."
Generally speaking, in this era, animated films were typically watched by adults taking children to the cinema, where they would buy tickets for whichever film the child wanted to see.
"The main promotional budget will be allocated to scheduling films and advertising!"
In this era, movie sales mainly depended on the number of screenings in theaters and the intensity of advertising.
"We'll put up posters everywhere—in universities, amusement parks, arcades, zoos, aquariums, and other places frequented by children! We'll try our best to reach as many elementary school students as possible with 'My Neighbor Totoro'!"
"Oh, and we could also issue discounted event tickets to the school's teachers as rewards or perks, so they can distribute them to the students."
Naoki Nagayama went on and on, then suddenly asked:
"By the way, when is it released?"
"Currently, it's scheduled for release on Christmas!"
Eiichiro Watanabe quickly explained:
"Before that, we will place advertisements in various important places, including school gates and amusement parks, etc. Naoki-san mentioned giving out discounted tickets, and teachers will distribute them. We will add that later!"
"Yes, we could make a batch of Totoro plush toys as souvenirs for children who have seen the movie."
Naoki Nagayama stroked his chin.
"We need to get the students talking! Let 'My Neighbor Totoro' become a major topic of discussion after the winter break!"
"This will create a competitive atmosphere among children. Things like, 'Look, I have this kind of plush toy, you don't have it,' and so on."
In Japan, winter break usually starts in late December, generally before Christmas, around December 24th, and continues until after New Year's Day, just in time for the New Year holiday.
At this moment, the others in the conference room looked at Naoki Nagayama with a mixture of admiration and skepticism.
After all, it's quite remarkable that even children's competitive nature can be used as a form of publicity!
The lively discussion continued in the meeting room, covering topics such as the poster format for "My Neighbor Totoro," its distribution locations, and the execution of promotional activities—all of which required the approval of several key managers.
Tree Friends' last major work of the year, "My Neighbor Totoro," is about to be released!
After returning to his top-floor office, Naoki Nagayama and his two friends rested for a while, sitting down to drink tea and chat.
"Xiu Yisang."
Naoki Nagayama asked while sipping his tea,
"How's it going working in the Social Democratic Party's campaign office lately?"
"Sigh, I'm not quite used to it yet!"
Shuichi Itō shook his head and complained.
"It felt like going back to when I first became a director. In that tiny office, everyone wore a mask, and we had to scheme and plot countless times a day."
He ended up shooting for adult magazines because of interpersonal relationships and social obligations.
If it weren't for Naoki Nagayama's meteoric rise, he might never have become the renowned director and president of the film association he is today. Now that he's in the election office, he has to start learning the art of intrigue all over again, which is truly a difficult situation!
Yoshimura Otomo was somewhat curious:
"You're a representative of the tree enthusiasts, and you also have the Film Association backing you when making a film. That's what they call 'bringing your own investment into the production,' right? You should be getting special treatment!"
We're all in the film industry, and everyone knows that if you bring your own investment to a production, it's not just about being well taken care of; it's about being incredibly arrogant and powerful on set!
They can change the script, the lines, the roles, and even the lead actor!
"That's what they said, and everyone in the campaign office was very polite. On the surface, they were all very welcoming and took good care of me!"
Shuichi Itō sighed again.
Even Doi Tagako usually greets me with a smile when she sees me.
"But it's Otomo-san, Naoki-san, you know, right? It's that kind."
The conflicted Shuichi Itō organized his thoughts.
"They treat you with respect, but they don't include you in their decisions! They never discuss any real decisions with me."
"Haha, after all, Shuichi-san is a newcomer to politics~" Naoki Nagayama laughed, "and a newcomer who just appeared out of nowhere at the last minute, so everyone probably thinks you're here to steal the fruits of others' labor!"
Now that the party is in power, Doi Tagako has a 70-80% chance of running for prime minister, which is equivalent to the final acceptance stage of a project!
Shuichi Itō, who was parachuted into the campaign team at this time, was there to share the spoils of victory, and naturally, he was ostracized by the original team.
"."
Hearing this, Shuichi Itō couldn't refute it, because he himself was going to hold an important position later on.
Yoshimura Otomo handed over a cup of tea, smiling as he said:
"So now, Shuichi-san, just focus on learning and observing. The resources have already been used up, and with the film association behind you, Doi-san will likely continue to rely on you."
"Hmm." Itō Shuichi took the teacup and took a sip. "She said I should encourage female celebrities to speak out and create a wave of support for women in politics."
"I support women in politics!"
Yoshimura Otomo sighed,
"As expected, anything can happen in this era!"
As the eldest among them, he has experienced a great deal and is most qualified to speak on the improvement of women's status. When he was young, women couldn't even participate in politics or vote!
In just over 30 years, it has developed into something he no longer recognizes.
Feeling moved, Shuichi Itō said:
"Naoki-san, if you run for prime minister, you'll definitely succeed!"
"No way! What's so great about being a politician? You can't even have a little bit of scandal. You can't even enjoy yourself!"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head.
"Besides, don't Japanese politicians listen to capital anyway!"
"So, as long as you make money, that's all that matters!"
"Once the tree friend opens a bank, then no matter which prime minister it is, they will have to treat him with utmost respect!"
Yoshimura Otomo paused for a moment:
"Naoki-san, when are we going to open a bank?"
"Once Nakai Genta returns with my billions of dollars, we'll prepare to open!"
Although most of the profits will remain as shares in major listed companies, you can always get your principal back!
With the money that has already come back, raising a total of 30 billion US dollars is definitely not a problem to open a bank!
In the evening at the Yamazakura-in, Nagayama Naoki played a hill-climbing game with Natsuka while chatting with Akina.
The so-called "climbing spree" refers to the little one climbing all over her father, sometimes even pulling on his hair or ears. The father can't get angry and even has to hold his daughter up with his hands, afraid that she will fall.
This feeling is indescribably frustrating.
Yingtaro is very experienced in this, because his little master used it most often to communicate, which made him afraid to move at all!
"It's coming out this Christmas, My Neighbor Totoro!"
Naoki Nagayama said to Akina,
"It's just that Xia Hua is too young, otherwise it would be best to take her to see it!"
"Ah, it's that animated movie of yours!"
Akina remembered—the movie where Naoki Nagayama drew concept art in his study!
"I can't believe it's already been made!"
Naoki Nagayama lay down on the sofa, holding the little one to prevent her from climbing onto his head, and casually said:
"Yes, I originally wanted to make this for Huajiang to see, but unfortunately Huajiang doesn't understand yet! There are many common things she doesn't know!"
"I understand!!!"
The daughter in her arms protested loudly against her father.
"I understand!"
"Oh?" Naoki Nagayama laughed. "So, does Hana-chan know what Totoro is? Does she know what a bus is? Does she know what the countryside is?"
The questions made the little guy ashamed, so he buried his head in Nagayama Naoki's neck, whimpering and squirming, his little body twisting and turning to express his dissatisfaction!
"Alright, alright~" Naoki Nagayama patted his daughter's back and comforted her, "It's okay, you can go see it when Hana-chan is a little older! Daddy will take you then, okay?"
"Ok!"
A muffled sound came from his neck, and then Xiaoxiahua suddenly kissed Nagayama Naoki with a loud slap.
"Dad is so nice!"
"Hahaha~"
The old father was overjoyed!
At the same time, seeing this scene of fatherly love and filial piety, Akina felt a pang of sadness, especially since her own daughter was clinging to Nagayama Naoki's arms. That used to be hers alone!
"Ahem." Akina coughed lightly twice. "Hana-chan, it's almost time to go to sleep!"
"Mmm~~~No~~"
Xiaoxia buried her head in Naoki Nagayama's arms again.
"Hey! If you don't go to sleep, the Big Bad Wolf might come looking for you tonight!"
Akina used fairy tales to scare the little one.
"Then lick your feet!"
Upon hearing this, the little guy quickly pulled his feet back, but still didn't lift his head!
Akina was at a loss; it seemed she couldn't persuade the younger one, so she could only try to persuade the older one!
"Naoki-san! Don't you think we should go to sleep?!"
"Hmm," Naoki Nagayama actually felt that they could have dragged it out a little longer, but seeing Akina's expression, he immediately nodded, "That's about enough!"
Then he sat up, hugged Xiaoxiahua, and said:
"Hana-chan, shall we go wash up first, and then lie down in bed to sleep?"
The little guy probably thought he could negotiate, so he said:
"I want to sleep with Daddy!"
"Okay," Naoki Nagayama answered subconsciously.
"No!" Akina interrupted abruptly, "Daddy wants to sleep with Mommy tonight!"
"???"X2
Akina blushed, but still insisted:
"Good girl, big kids need to sleep by themselves."
"Hmph~~"
The little guy turned his head away and ignored his mother!
So Akina said to Naoki Nagayama:
"Naoki-san, come over after you've put Hana-chan to sleep! There's a surprise for you~"
"."
Looking at his wife's beautiful face with its sparkling eyes, Naoki Nagayama felt a stirring of desire within him.
"it is good!"
(End of this chapter)