wavenovel Chapter 1241-1250: Growing up begins with the passing of someone you know!
Chapter 1241-1250: Growing up begins with the passing of someone you know!
Chapter 1241-1250: Growing up begins with the passing of someone you know!
Since the casting process began, the film "Departures," which brings together a host of exciting elements such as "Momoe Yamaguchi's comeback," "Tomokazu Miura and his wife reuniting," and "Naoki Nagayama's masterpiece," has been attracting the attention of the entire entertainment industry.
Finally, after such a long production process, the preview screening of "Departures" has begun!
Outside the "Artistic Seat" in Ikebukuro, reporters from various media outlets had already gathered early in the morning, blocking the entrance lobby.
Fortunately, the staff sent by the tree friends maintained order, which allowed the invited audience members to enter the screening room.
Naoki Nagayama led Akina into the cinema through the back door, telling her to go to the screening room and wait for the movie to start. He, along with Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi, tidied themselves up in the lounge before greeting the audience in the lobby.
"Tomokazu-san, Momoe-san, this seems to be your first time watching 'Departures'?"
Naoki Nagayama smiled and said to the two of them,
"Don't you feel a sense of anticipation?"
"Of course, after all, so much effort was put into this film."
Miura Tomokazu couldn't help but recall running through the snowy mountains, a memory he would never forget for the rest of his life.
Momoe Yamaguchi also smiled and said, "I'm really looking forward to it too. This is my first time appearing on the big screen since my comeback."
"Okay~"
Naoki Nagayama patted Tomokazu Miura on the shoulder.
"Let's go to the front and greet our guests! There are so many people here today!"
"it is good."
When Naoki Nagayama appeared in the hall with Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi, the reporters who had gathered there stirred up a commotion, and the sound of camera shutters clicking incessantly filled the air.
Fortunately, staff members maintained order and kept shouting, "This is not the time for interviews," so they stopped crowding around, allowing Naoki Nagayama and his group to greet the guests.
"Masaki-san, Masahiro-san, you two really came together again!"
Naoki Nagayama greeted Masaki Kobayashi and Masahiro Shinoda. It seemed that whenever he had a movie screening, these two would always be there to watch.
"Haha, we'll definitely come and support Naoki-san's movie!"
Masaki Kobayashi answered with a smile, then glanced at Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura.
"Mr. Miura, Mrs. Miura, it would be wonderful if we could work together in the future!"
There's a chance, there's a chance.
The Miura couple responded with smiles.
Meanwhile, Masahiro Shinoda and Naoki Nagayama were whispering to each other:
"Naoki-san, I think I just saw some government officials and members of parliament come over. Is there something going on at today's screening?"
"Ah, they were all invited by the Tokyo Film Industry Association."
Naoki Nagayama made no attempt to hide it.
"The association wants to take advantage of the high-profile screening of 'Departures' to show its stance to the entertainment industry."
"Ok?"
"The 'Proposal on Labor Protection for Film Industry Practitioners,' which has been the subject of much discussion, will have a hearing starting today. Let's make a big splash!"
"Oh"
Masahiro Shinoda had naturally heard about the Tokyo Film Industry Association's proposal, and he actually thought it was a good one, as its passage would provide a guarantee for those working at the bottom of the film industry.
However, since he was considered to be in the upper echelons of the film industry, he didn't really feel deeply about the proposal and therefore didn't voice his support.
"Since it's a proposal supported by Naoki-san, then I'll also voice my support!"
"Thank you so much! Every voice you speak out is a support for the Film Association and a boost to the further development of the film industry!"
"Naoki-san is starting to talk like a politician!"
"Haha~" Naoki Nagayama shook his head, "One is influenced by one's company; I've spent too much time with Shuichi-san."
After thanking Masahiro Shinoda and Masaki Kobayashi for guiding them to the screening room, Naoki Nagayama saw Kadokawa Haruki from Kadokawa Pictures!
"Chunshu-san, what brings you here?"
"Can't I even watch Naoki-san's new movie?"
Haruki Kadokawa, dressed in a loose, brightly colored polo shirt, exuded a very casual air. He shook hands with Naoki Nagayama, then glanced at Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi standing beside him.
"I can't miss Momoe-san's comeback film, with the golden couple returning to the screen!"
"Thank you for your support, President Kadokawa!"
Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura bowed slightly to express their gratitude. When Momoe Yamaguchi debuted in film, Kadokawa Pictures was already one of the top five film studios in Japan, so they naturally had some contact.
"Chunshu-san, please come in. I'm a bit rushed today. Let's grab a drink together later!"
"Ha ha, alright!"
After Kadokawa Haruki was escorted into the screening room, some well-known figures from Toho and Toei entered through the main entrance of the artsy section, along with veteran figures from the entertainment industry, renowned film critics, and so on.
Watching Naoki Nagayama effortlessly exchange pleasantries and engage in conversation with the group of visitors, Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi truly grasped Naoki Nagayama's reputation, status, and connections within the industry.
Indeed, Naoki Nagayama's influence in the industry is undeniable, having risen from an unknown youth to an internationally renowned director and chairman of the Shuyou Group.
As the screening date drew closer, fewer and fewer people arrived, and reporters began entering the screening room to wait for the show to begin. At that moment, another car pulled up outside the artsy section.
"Ah, Hamada-san! I've finally been waiting for you!"
Naoki Nagayama stepped forward to greet Koichi Hamada.
"How could I miss the chance to be among the first to see Naoki-san's new movie!"
Hamada Koichi's face was also full of smiles, it seemed that he was indeed very satisfied with the previous financial report from Tree Friends Capital.
Naoki Nagayama spoke politely and warmly led the people around, letting Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi greet them.
"This is Representative Koichi Hamada of the Diet. You should both be familiar with these two Hamada-sans!"
"Haha, Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi starred in 'The Dancing Girl of Izu,' which was my favorite movie when I was young!"
Koichi Hamada was born in the 30s, and he was only in his early 40s when "The Dancing Girl of Izu" was released, which is considered young compared to now.
The Miura couple, who played "Hamada-san," were a little reserved at this point. "It's an honor for us to have Hamada-san come to see our film."
"Haha. It's almost time, I'm going to watch the new movie!"
"This way, please. A seat has been reserved in the front row."
The reporters who hadn't yet entered the venue all noticed the close interaction between Hamada Koichi and Nagayama Naoki.
Koichi Hamada, with his yakuza background, is known in the public as a "parliamentary thug." He is famous for breaking through the protective fence of the Diet during the Liberal Democratic Party's "40-day protest," overturning tables and chairs, and fighting with his political opponents.
It can be said that this is a member of parliament with a very distinctive personality, extensive experience, great reputation, and strong capabilities.
And now he's chatting and laughing with Naoki Nagayama in a public setting like a preview screening?!
This goes beyond just a personal relationship.
Keen-eyed reporters have already secretly pressed the shutter, ready to publish this hot topic as quickly as possible.
The theater where "Departures" was being screened was packed with audience members.
The room was filled with lively discussions. Some people were talking about the lead actors, some were discussing the plot, and others were craning their necks to look at the people in the front rows, who were all well-known figures in the industry.
Among them is one of the top stars in the entertainment industry today, Akina Nakamori~
She was in the second row, whispering to Momoe Yamaguchi, who had just sat down. There was an empty seat next to her. Everyone knew who would sit there.
It's perfectly normal for a wife to come see her husband's new movie, right?
Some reporters were secretly complaining that Akina Nakamori didn't make an appearance in the front hall, which would have made today's report even more newsworthy!
Hopefully, Akina Nakamori will be able to give some interviews during the later media interview session.
After Naoki Nagayama came in and sat down, the lights in the screening room dimmed, and the audience fell silent. The preview screening of "Departures" was about to begin.
The images on the big screen lit up, and the story of the mortician slowly unfolded.
The protagonist, a man who had accomplished nothing, was originally a dispensable cellist in the orchestra. After the orchestra disbanded, he was forced to return to his hometown of Yamazaki from Tokyo with his wife due to debt.
During this low point in his life, a job advertisement led him to the profession of "mortician".
During his first mission, he encountered a rotting corpse. He was utterly disgusted; even on the way back, the stench of the corpse seemed to seep into his body.
So I couldn't resist getting off the bus halfway through the journey, finding a public bathhouse, and giving myself a thorough wash.
When he got home, seeing the ingredients for the hot pot, the raw chicken looked so cold and pale that he was immediately aware of the presence of death. A feeling of nausea washed over him, and his whole body resisted it.
It wasn't until his wife, Momoe Yamaguchi, comforted him that he felt the breath of life emanating from her vibrant body.
Naoki Nagayama heard a low gasp from the audience. In "Departures," this scene of desire was actually very subtle and had a deep symbolic meaning. Both of them were wearing clothes!
Audiences are superficial; seeing Momoe Yamaguchi makes them unable to resist fantasizing. The only slightly heartwarming scene in the entire movie is actually just this little bit.
As the plot continues, the male protagonist's wife eventually discovers that he works as an "embalmer."
It was as if a huge rock had been thrown into our peaceful life!
"How could you take a job like this?!"
"Aren't you ashamed?!"
The words spoken by the female protagonist, Momoe Yamaguchi, represent the basic views of ordinary Japanese people towards the profession of mortician.
Working in professions related to death has always been avoided by mainstream society, and even considered shameful.
Meanwhile, the male protagonist has gradually come to understand the meaning of the profession of mortician:
"Everyone dies eventually, I will, and so will you. What's there to be ashamed of?!"
"Please, please, can you change your career?"
Momoe Yamaguchi, suppressing her emotions, pleaded.
"I have never asked you for anything."
"."
The male protagonist, played by Tomokazu Miura, falls silent at this moment. He has finally found the meaning of life and does not want to give up like this.
Seeing her husband's stubbornness, Yamaguchi Momoe had no choice but to resort to the most extreme form of resistance a Japanese wife could employ:
"I'm going back to my parents' house. Come pick me up when I get a new job!"
At this moment, Miura Tomokazu, who wanted to stop Yamaguchi Momoe, reached out to stop her, but was stunned by the sudden outburst of emotions:
"Don't touch me! You're not clean!"
This is the wife's true view of the profession of mortician, and also society's view of this profession. People who touch the dead are unclean!
The movie screening continued, and Naoki Nagayama felt Akina's hand reach out and tighten around his, but his eyes were fixed intently on the screen.
Watching the male protagonist bid farewell to the deceased time and time again, and seeing the crying and commotion of the deceased's family and relatives, it seemed to remind me of when my own loved ones passed away.
Many audience members had slightly red eyes; they were all people who had experienced death.
The scene depicts Tomokazu Miura playing the cello on a snowy mountain.
In the vast expanse of heaven and earth, the cello rendition of "Memory" carries a deep sense of reluctance and a gentle sense of relief, as if it is telling the audience about the memory of the deceased.
The film "Departures" differs from Naoki Nagayama's previous films in many ways, one of which is the narrative rhythm.
The beginning of "Departures" is rather slow, and the overall narrative lacks significant ups and downs. Even the only two plot conflicts and emotional outbursts are suppressed.
Just like a fierce whirlpool beneath a calm surface, it embodies the characteristics of "introversion," "patience," and "silence" in Japanese culture.
At the very last moment, when the male protagonist bids farewell to his biological father, he discovers in his father's hand a pebble that represents his father's most cherished memories. Overwhelmed by suppressed excitement and emotion, he can no longer contain himself.
The film ends abruptly at this point, which seems somewhat abrupt, but it leaves the audience with more room for interpretation.
Some things can only be let go of at the very last moment, and some people can only be cherished after parting ways.
When the movie ended, the theater was completely silent.
Everyone watched silently as the end credits rolled. When the lights in the hall came on and the staff began setting up the equipment for the interview, sporadic applause began to ring out.
Then applause quickly erupted and lasted for a long time.
This film, "Departures," truly touched the hearts of viewers!
Thank you for watching!
After the reporters were ready, the host picked up the microphone in front of the big screen and began today's media interviews.
"Let's first thank the actors and crew for their dedication, which made it possible for 'Departures' to be screened as scheduled!"
"Next, please welcome the main creative team to the stage!"
The host started by clapping, and then the audience joined in, watching actors such as Naoki Nagayama, Momoe Yamaguchi, and Tomokazu Miura take the stage.
Naturally, Naoki Nagayama also took the microphone without hesitation and began his speech:
"Thank you all so much for coming today."
He glanced at the officials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the directors of the Film Association, and members of the House of Representatives in the first row, then at the veteran figures in the film industry in the second and third rows, the reporters and industry professionals in the fourth and fifth rows, and the fans and film enthusiasts.
"The script for 'Departures' was initially inspired by the passing of a loved one of my family members, which led me to write this script."
Some say that growing up begins with the death of someone you know.
"."
Akina Nakamori, sitting in the audience, watched her husband speak eloquently, her eyes filled with emotion.
"The passing of a loved one?"
When her grandfather passed away, she stayed by Naoki Nagayama's side the whole time, experiencing the entire separation, and was also among the first to read the script for "Departures".
It can be said that she was present throughout the entire process of Naoki Nagayama writing the script for "Departures". And now that "Departures" has been filmed and screened, she saw it immediately, which moved her the most.
Naoki Nagayama on stage continued:
"Only by experiencing death can one truly appreciate the preciousness of life."
"And morticians are a profession that walks between life and death."
"I hope that through a film like 'Departures,' people can feel more at peace with life and death."
As Naoki Nagayama finished speaking, another round of applause erupted.
Even directors like Masaki Kobayashi and Masahiro Shinoda couldn't help but applaud. Koichi Hamada, sitting in the front row, thought to himself that if Naoki Nagayama were to run for office, he could definitely become a member of parliament just by his mouth!
After the applause subsided, the host took over the conversation and began preparing for today's interview and interaction:
"Next, let's interview the lead actors of 'Departures', Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi!"
"Mr. Miura, what score would you give Ms. Yamaguchi Momoe's performance?"
Should I play it myself?
Miura Tomokazu was somewhat surprised, while the audience below the stage burst into laughter.
"Hi~"
The host smiled and nodded; it was just a topic to warm up the atmosphere.
"So."
Recalling the hardships he and his wife had endured along the way, Tomokazu Miura spoke with great enthusiasm.
"Then I'll give it a 10! Momoe's performance was very natural, perfectly capturing the resilience and support of a wife."
"And what about Ms. Momoe?" the host asked with a smile, shifting the focus, "What score would you give Mr. Miura?"
"Of course it's 10 points!"
Momoe Yamaguchi smiled gently.
"Whether in real life or on stage, Yu is the most perfect!"
"Eek~~" "Oh oh oh~" "Haha" "The host must have been fed dog food!" "."
The audience laughed. "Are you enjoying this dog food being forced into your mouth?"
"Alright, alright," the host said with a wry smile, "Let's see what questions the others have."
With that, he handed the microphone to the staff below and began the formal interview and interaction.
However, the first reporter to get the microphone suddenly turned his gaze to Naoki Nagayama and asked, somewhat provocatively:
"Naoki-san, what score would you give Yamaguchi Momoe and Miura Tomokazu's performances?!"
"I?"
Naoki Nagayama's lips curled up slightly.
I give them a 9 out of 10!!!
"Huh?" "Boom bean?" "Is there something you're unhappy about?"
Sure enough, everyone started talking about it, while Naoki Nagayama looked at the reporter and continued:
"The point deducted was to prevent them from becoming too arrogant, so we didn't give it back."
"."
The audience further away burst into laughter, finding it incredibly amusing to watch Naoki Nagayama tease the media reporters.
Meanwhile, the reporters in front of him were all staring at Naoki Nagayama with dead fish eyes, saying, "If I don't interrogate you to death today, you won't know how a reporter is made!"
"Director Nagayama, why didn't you choose Ms. Akina Mori during the casting process?"
Some reporters directly directed their criticism at Akina, and some cameras were even pointed at Akina in the second row, causing her to give a somewhat helpless, professional smile.
"Akina."
Naoki Nagayama didn't hide anything.
"The main problem is that she's too young and can't portray that gentle and graceful feeling."
At 26, she could still play a high school student without makeup. Now, at only 20, Akina has smooth, delicate skin, exquisite and bright features, and looks radiant. How can she possibly play a character over 30?!
"."
The reporter who asked the question glanced at Akina Nakamori and had to nod in agreement. She was indeed stunning.
"Director Nagayama."
Another reporter began asking questions.
"As previously reported, your film 'Departures' is aiming for an Oscar. Today it had its test screening. Do you think the film has the potential to win an Oscar?"
"It all comes down to what the audience says!"
Naoki Nagayama smiled and pointed the microphone at the audience.
"What do you think?!"
"Yes!!!" "Absolutely no problem!" "If I don't win an Oscar, I'll eat shit!" "Wait, wait, wait, don't do this!" "."
The other audience members below the stage gave them a lot of face and shouted loudly. Apart from a few bizarre replies, everyone agreed that the movie deserved to win the grand prize.
When will Nagayama-san's movie be officially released?
One week later
"Mr. Miura, what was the biggest challenge in making a film with Director Nagayama?"
"You need to be physically fit and have strong athletic ability."
"Yamaguchi Momoe-san"
Reporters kept asking questions to the creative team, and Naoki Nagayama answered them very appropriately.
Until someone stubbornly persists:
"Mr. Nagayama, we noticed that there are many political figures attending today's screening, such as officials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and members of the Diet. Is there any other reason for inviting them?"
Haha~
Naoki Nagayama paused for a moment.
"They are all my friends, and if they want to be among the first to see the movie, what's wrong with that?"
"."
Everyone knew this answer was unsatisfactory, but the reporters dared not press further, and could only stare at each other blankly. A moment of silence fell over the scene.
Seeing this, Naoki Nagayama could only continue to explain:
"On the other hand, the film 'Departures' was sponsored by the Tokyo Film Association's 'Tree Support Fund,' and was the association's first film after its establishment."
"So officials from the film association came to check out the quality of the finished product."
"I just don't know if I can satisfy them!"
Reporters' cameras focused on the officials and members of parliament in the front row, who were all clapping with smiles on their faces, looking very satisfied.
Actually, everyone is here to show their support for the Tokyo Film Industry Association's hearing tomorrow. But we can't say that in public.
"Next, we'll move on to the lucky draw."
The host then took the microphone and began the next segment of the screening.
"Audience members who have drawn their seat numbers are welcome to come up and take photos with the creative team."
(End of this chapter)