N-M Chapters 1234 and 1243: From now on, I'll leave the rest of the operations to Naoki-san!
Chapters 1234 and 1243: From now on, I'll leave the rest of the operations to Naoki-san!
Chapters 1234 and 1243: From now on, I'll leave the rest of the operations to Naoki-san!
A private club in Meguro Ward.
If it weren't for Suo Ikuo leading the way, Nagayama Naoki and the others would have never even heard of a club here.
After walking through the unremarkable door from the outside, the interior was decorated in a classical and elegant style, with exquisite craftsmanship.
The staff at the club were all young and beautiful women, each speaking softly and gently.
"Please come this way, sir."
The staff, dressed in elegant kimonos, led the group to a reserved private room. The spacious room offered a direct view of the garden outside, and even at night, the exquisite garden design and valuable antique ornaments were still visible.
"Suoh-san, there's such a wonderful place in Meguro River!"
Shuichi Itō was somewhat surprised.
I never knew that before.
"This is a members-only club. Generally, only long-time members can introduce people to join, so it's not very well-known."
Suo Ikuo said,
"I only learned about this place when I was associating with large corporations and conglomerates."
"But with people as famous as Naoki-san and Shuichi-san, the club owner will definitely welcome them. I reckon they'll give them membership cards when they leave."
"Haha, thanks a lot then~"
With Naoki Nagayama's current fame, wealth, and influence, he could enter most clubs and private clubs in Japan without anyone stopping him.
"Zhou Fangmulberry"
Naoki Nagayama sipped the tea that was served and asked with some curiosity,
"I don't know much about Mr. Hamada Koichi, and I'm worried I might say something wrong. Could you tell me what kind of person he is?"
"Hamada-san" Suo Ikuo would never say anything bad about him. "He's a very generous person!"
"Don't worry about saying anything that might upset Naoki-san. Hamada-san is always very kind to juniors like Naoki-san."
"Is that so? Then I can rest assured."
Naoki Nagayama nodded. He knew that Hamada Koichi must be very good at dealing with people, having risen from the underworld to politics and achieved his current position without any faction affiliation.
As they were talking, the young lady who had greeted them earlier led another person towards the Japanese-style room. As soon as the door opened, the first thing they heard was a burst of hearty laughter:
"Haha, Yu Xiong, you're here first! The traffic was a bit congested tonight!"
It has that feeling of hearing her voice before you even see her, just like Sister Feng!
"I haven't been here long, Hamada-san."
At this moment, Suo Ikuo acted as the introducer, directly introducing Nagayama Naoki and Itō Shuichi, who had stood up.
"Come, come, Hamada-san, let me introduce you. This is Naoki Nagayama, a friend of Shuyu, and this is Shuichi Itō, the president of the Tokyo Film Industry Association."
"Naoki-san, Shuichi-san, this is House of Representatives member Hamada Koichi."
"Nice to meet you, please take good care of me" x3
A bow and handshake are essential for a first meeting. After the three of them bowed to each other, they were considered acquainted.
After sitting down, Hamada Koichi immediately took a large gulp of tea:
"I rushed over here after get off work, without even having a drink of water on the way."
"What has Hamada-san been busy with lately?" Suo Ikuo asked, somewhat puzzled.
"It's just a leadership transition. It's between the Tanaka faction and the Takeshita faction."
Hamada Koichi didn't seem to regard Nagayama Naoki and Itō Shuichi as outsiders, and started talking directly.
"There's also the matter of establishing the Jing Shi Hui (a political organization), the consumer law, and so on; it's all very troublesome."
Shuichi Itō knew a little about politics and could understand about 50-60% of what he heard, while Naoki Nagayama compared it with his memories and gained a better understanding of the internal situation of the Liberal Democratic Party.
"Won't these things affect Hamada-san?"
Seeing that the food was starting to arrive, Naoki Nagayama poured Koichi Hamada a glass of wine.
"Whether the Tanaka faction continues to govern or the Takeshita faction's Keisekai seizes power, they will continue to rely on Hamada-san!"
Hamada Koichi was somewhat surprised:
"Haha, it seems Naoki-kun does have a good understanding of the Liberal Democratic Party's internal workings!"
“I’ve been paying close attention to these things lately,” Naoki Nagayama said. “I’ve also had discussions with some members of parliament.”
"That's it~"
Hamada Kou nodded, no longer considering Nagayama Naoki to be someone completely ignorant of politics.
"So, Naoki-kun, how do you think the situation of the Liberal Democratic Party will develop next?"
"I've heard that Takeshita Noboru is a political mediator, skilled at compromise and negotiation, and has good relationships with the younger generation within the party."
Naoki Nagayama smiled and said,
"I think it's only natural that he took over the reins."
"No political coordinator."
In Japanese culture, people love using nicknames. Upon hearing Naoki Nagayama mention this nickname, Koichi Hamada stroked his chin.
"Haha, he really does resemble that guy Takeshita! Naoki-kun, if Takeshita Noboru heard you give him such a great nickname, he'd definitely toast you!"
Naoki Nagayama shook his head: "Hamada-san is joking~"
At that moment, Naoki Nagayama's phone rang, and he stood up after seeing the caller ID:
"I need to go to Marseille to pick someone up."
When Naoki Nagayama returned, he had already brought Kaede Nagayama in. The robust Kaede Nagayama bowed deeply upon entering the tatami room.
"I'm late for Marseille, the evening rush hour traffic is terrible."
"Hahaha~"
Hamada Koichi was amused by the same reason.
"Yes, yes, even if you're driving a Mercedes, you'll still get stuck in traffic!"
The host and guests were relaxed and at ease, and the atmosphere in the room became very relaxed. Everyone sat down and began to toast each other.
After a few cups of sake, Hamada Koichi's face began to flush, and he spoke more easily:
"Naoki-kun, your film 'Hayato' was really good! During that time, so many old friends would get together and talk about this movie, saying that Nagayama Hayato had a great grandson, making his name a legend."
Naoki Nagayama laughed:
“My grandfather’s story was already legendary, and I only slightly adapted it.”
"That's very lucky!"
Hamada Koichi said loudly,
"So many people want to leave their mark on history but can't!"
He then took a large gulp of wine and looked at Nagayama Kaede:
"Feng-kun. Speaking of which, I heard of Nagayama Hayato's name when I was a child. Later, the Nagayama Group even extended its reach to Yamanashi. I just never expected that someone so famous would leave like this."
"My grandfather worked tirelessly for the gang when he was young, suffering many hidden injuries. Even though he was physically strong, he couldn't withstand it in his later years."
Kaede Nagayama sensed something, then glanced at Koichi Hamada.
"I've heard that Hamada-san suffered quite a few injuries when he was young. Now that he's retired from the game, he should take good care of himself!"
Hamada Koichi paused for a moment, then nodded and raised his glass:
"Feng Jun, thank you so much!"
After saying that, he turned to the others:
"But we still have to drink. Let's live for today! Hahaha~ Come on, cheers!"
"cheers!!"
A politician must be a shrewd person who can make people feel comfortable when there are no vested interests involved. Hamada Koichi may look like a big shot, but he did not neglect anyone at this dinner party.
I chatted with Naoki Nagayama about movies, with Kaede Nagayama about karaoke, with Shuichi Itō about work in industry associations, and even had a few words with my junior colleague Ikuo Suō, who was a newcomer at his firm.
It wasn't until after several rounds of drinks and dishes that Naoki Nagayama finally found an opportunity to ask about the main purpose of their dinner party:
"The Tokyo Film Industry Association, which Hamada Kuwazumi supports in establishing, has just submitted a proposal through the Minister of Education and is now at the hearing stage. However, unexpectedly, there has been opposition within the Liberal Democratic Party, and they have sent representatives to participate in the hearing."
Do you know why?
"Haha, after Suoh told me, I made a special trip to inquire about it."
Hamada Koichi quietly did a favor.
"It's quite simple. The current cabinet is supported by the Tanaka faction, while those who want to obstruct you are the Takeshita faction."
"At this sensitive time of leadership transition, Takeshita Noboru probably doesn't want your share. The 'Proposal on Labor Protection for Film Industry Workers' adds prestige to the current Tanaka faction."
"But we haven't had any contact with the Tanaka faction, nor have we expressed any intention to support them."
Shuichi Itō spoke somewhat anxiously.
"We just want the Tokyo Film Industry Association to gain recognition and achieve some results! At the same time, we just want to provide more protection for people working in the film industry!"
"Haha, politics doesn't care about your initial intentions, it only cares about your results."
Hamada Koichi, holding a wine glass, shook his head.
"Judging from the outcome, if your proposal is passed, it will definitely gain good support in the entertainment industry. And since your proposal was passed by the Nakasone Cabinet, that will be a 'achievement' for Prime Minister Nakasone!"
"That's why the Takeshita faction sent people to obstruct them."
Seeing that Shuichi Itō looked somewhat frustrated, Koichi Hamada comforted him.
“It’s alright. Once the Takeshita faction comes to power, the resistance to this proposal will be much less. I’ve seen your associates; they are all independent members of parliament and social celebrities. Although there are some members of the Socialist Party, they are not a threat.”
"Is there no other way?"
Shuichi Itō lamented that if this proposal is not passed this year, it will be delayed for another year after the end-of-year elections. By then, his term as chairman will have already ended!
"Hamada-san, could you please put in a good word for me?"
"Hmm," Hamada Koichi said noncommittally, "The Takeshita faction is quite powerful now."
Hearing him say that, Naoki Nagayama, who had been listening silently, finally spoke up:
"Hamada-san, our Kiyuu has absolutely no intention of opposing Takeshita's faction. Shuichi-san simply wants to make a contribution to the Tokyo film industry during his term."
"If Hamada-san can mediate, this misunderstanding can definitely be resolved!"
"Well, that's not entirely unacceptable. I still have some influence within the Party."
Hamada Koichi spoke vaguely, saying that this kind of help without any return was unacceptable.
Having been in society for so long, Naoki Nagayama and Osamu Itō instantly realized that this was for personal gain.
However, in politics, even gift-giving requires skill. Naoki Nagayama and Shuichi Itō did not say anything immediately, but instead poured a few more glasses of wine and continued to toast.
After a few more drinks, Naoki Nagayama finally spoke:
"Hamada-san, Japan's economy has really developed very quickly in the past few years, especially the stock market, which has been rising every month!"
He pointed at Itō Shuichi and laughed:
"The Tokyo Film Association set up a support fund before, and under the management of Shuyou Capital, it made a considerable profit in just a few months!"
Osamu Ido nodded slightly.
"Yes, yes, and the film association's support projects have been able to proceed smoothly."
Naoki Nagayama continued to ask:
"Does Hamada-san have any experience in the stock market?"
"The stock market? Of course!" Hamada Koichi nodded with a smile. "In this day and age, who doesn't put some money in the stock market?!"
"What was the result?" Itō Shuichi chimed in, playing the straight man.
"I don't know much about stocks; I just buy them because everyone else is doing it," Hamada Koichi shook his head. "To make some money for gas."
This isn't him being modest; the only way to make money in the stock market is through leverage. Individual investors can probably earn some pocket money, but it's impossible to make big money!
Besides, Hamada Koichi doesn't make money from the stock market. Part of his money comes from real estate in his hometown, part from gifts from the yakuza, and part from commissions given to him by people like Suo Ikuo.
He's not exactly rich, just moderately wealthy. That's why, after retiring from politics in his later years, he still participates in variety shows.
In terms of wealth, he is nowhere near as wealthy as Naoki Nagayama!
"To make money in the stock market, you need professionals to manage it!" Naoki Nagayama laughed. "You also need leverage."
"Hamada-san, how about trying to open an account with Tree Friends Capital? I'll have the most professional investment advisor manage it."
Naoki Nagayama said this while urging the drinker to drink.
"By using a little leverage, you're guaranteed to make money, and even if you lose money, you won't lose all your capital."
"And the money earned from the stock market is absolutely clean!"
Hearing this, Hamada Koichi was somewhat tempted. As a member of parliament, his assets needed to be audited. Although accepting gifts was a tradition in Japan, if the amount was too large, it would be considered a bribe!
There are limits on the amount of political donations. The share of profits he received from Suo Ikuo was also limited!
Therefore, if you have a legitimate source of income from stock trading, it is considered personal investment income!
"Naoki-san, can you really make money?"
“Of course!” Naoki Nagayama said confidently. “Our Tree Friends Capital is very famous for its operations!”
Today, TreeFriend Capital is considered a mid-sized investment bank in the financial world, and there are requirements for opening an account.
Moreover, it has gained some international recognition since the beginning of this year, as many transactions have gone to the US stock market.
After thinking for a moment, Hamada Koichi picked up his wine glass:
"Then I'll leave it to you, Naoki-san! I'll get the working capital ready when I get back, and I'll leave the rest of the trading to you!"
"Haha, don't worry, Hamada-san, I'll arrange for someone to handle this!"
Naoki Nagayama also raised his glass in a toast, and the two exchanged a smile; nothing more needed to be said.
Hamada Koichi will definitely handle the hearing regarding the "Proposal" well!
After having dinner at a private club, at Nagayama Kaede's invitation, Hamada Koichi went to a karaoke bar in Roppongi for the next round.
The old man, who was over fifty, was still very energetic in the entertainment industry. He sang love songs with the karaoke hostesses without any shame, and his various dirty jokes opened the eyes of Naoki Nagayama, who was sitting next to him.
After seeing off the tipsy Hamada Koichi, he spoke to the somewhat drunk Nagayama Kaede:
"See? That's what Japanese lawmakers are like. Japan is a country led by this kind of makeshift team!"
Nagayama Kaede laughed and said:
"Haha, I think Hamada Yukito is pretty good, very straightforward."
"Hehe, that's because of the money~"
Both were seasoned drinkers; even Itō Shuichi, sitting next to him, wasn't drunk. He lit a cigarette and became more sober.
"What if Naoki-san can't get the proposal passed even if Hamada Koichi can't? Will the Takeshita faction give him face?"
"It's alright. If the Takeshita faction still has so much free time to come and cause us trouble, we'll let them worry about other things!"
At worst, we can find someone to leak the clues about the Recruit bribery case to the media and see if the Takeshita faction, or even the Liberal Democratic Party, will still have the energy to deal with other matters!
(End of this chapter)