wavenovel Chapters 1489 and 1498: The Film Association will always be Naoki-san's association!!
Chapters 1489 and 1498: The Film Association will always be Naoki-san's association!!
Chapters 1489 and 1498: The Film Association will always be Naoki-san's association!!
In the Studio Ghibli building of the Tree Friends Building, Tsuruko handed her manga manuscript to a professional manga artist for evaluation. She chose Hayao Miyazaki, who had just created "My Neighbor Totoro."
"Such intricate lines can indeed express exquisite details."
Miyazaki carefully chose his words, not wanting the person in front of him to feel uncomfortable in any way.
"However, it was destined that it wouldn't have a very bright future in the comic book industry."
"The investment is just too huge! The cost is too high, so no company will be willing to animate or make it into a movie!"
Standing next to Miyazaki Hayao, Tsuruko sighed inwardly upon hearing this. She had already expected it, but she wasn't afraid to get involved!
"If we don't consider the cost-effectiveness, Miyazaki-san, do you think anyone would like this art style?!"
"Of course!"
Hayao Miyazaki nodded.
"This intricate art style is very distinctive, and I'm sure some people will like it, or even become loyal fans!"
Note that he's referring to the art style!!
"That's great!"
Tsuruko's face lit up with joy.
"Then even if it takes more time, I'm not afraid!"
Hayao Miyazaki smiled and chimed in:
"Hahaha~"
After finally managing to coax Tsuruko out of the office in high spirits, Miyazaki Hayao wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief.
Seeing his expression, his friend Toshio Suzuki asked with a smile:
"What's wrong? Are you under a lot of pressure? Or is Ms. Tsuruko's manga manuscript really bad?"
"Well, for a beginner, it's not bad!"
Hayao Miyazaki shook his head. It was clear that Tsuruko had a certain level of drawing skills and loved comics, but her paneling and artwork were still very immature.
"Actually, the main issue is the art style. With that kind of intricate and delicate art style, if we wanted to make it into an animation, we could probably only produce one episode a year."
"Tsuruko-chan's drawings are actually pretty good; overall, she falls into the category of manga enthusiasts."
Don't compare your hobbies with other people's professions.
"Then why do you look like you're under a lot of pressure?"
"Because she's Naoki-san's sister!"
Miyazaki Hayao said matter-of-factly.
"What if we upset her and she fires all three of us?!"
To be honest, the Ghibli trio felt really comfortable after joining TreeFriends. They could create freely and had such abundant resources to support them.
Toshio Suzuki also smiled:
"Alright, let's speed up the production of 'Kiki's Delivery Service' and try to get it screened at an international film festival!"
"it is good!"
Meanwhile, Tsuruko, overjoyed at receiving the affirmation, returned to her office and spun around in her chair with her sketches in her arms.
"I knew my comic would be a hit!"
"Alright, keep it up, one day I'll publish a standalone volume!"
"."
Just as she was about to bury herself in her painting, Riko Hayano suddenly knocked on the door and came in:
"Tsuruko-chan, Otomo-san needs to talk to you!"
"Otomo-san, what is it?"
"I don't know either, but he asked you to come to his office to talk."
"Okay~"
Tsuruko didn't say anything and followed Hayano Riko to the top floor.
Upon entering the office, Yoshimura Otomo greeted everyone with a friendly smile:
"Hezi, how have you been feeling at the Tree Friends Club these past few days?"
"Hi, it's great here, everyone is very friendly. The company atmosphere is fantastic!"
Yoshimura Daitomo laughed:
"Haha, that's good, that's good."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Tsuruko didn't have the usual awkwardness of a subordinate meeting a superior and went straight to the point:
"Otomo-san, is there something you need from me?"
"what"
Yoshimura Otomo picked up a proposal from his desk.
"Since you're now the assistant producer in the animation department, I think you should take on more responsibility."
"This is the marketing plan for 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' and we hope you will take the lead in promoting and distributing this film."
Tsuruko stared blankly at the proposal in her hand, and unsurprisingly, became nervous:
"This is Otomo-san, I've never done this before!! I... can't do it."
"Haha, don't be nervous!"
Yoshimura Otomo quickly offered some words of comfort.
"The proposal was prepared by the publicity department, and the execution is handled by the staff below; it's all standard procedure. Tsuruko only needs to check that it achieves the desired effect."
"This"
Tsuruko said in surprise,
"Since everything is already decided, why don't we just get started? Why do I need to supervise?"
"Ah~~"
Yoshimura Otomo suddenly sighed, and then began to complain.
"With Naoki-san making movies and Shuichi-san venturing into politics, the entire burden of the Naoki-kun fan club rests on my shoulders. And now, there's the preparation work for an international film festival."
As he spoke, his expression turned bitter, as if he had become an oppressed and lonely old man.
"These tasks are putting me under immense pressure, and I can't keep up with them all! But this matter is extremely important; it's a key project for the animation department for the whole year, and it definitely needs to be closely monitored."
"Hezi, your position is rather aloof, and you're not afraid of offending anyone, so if you go to supervise, they'll all give you face."
"."
Looking at Yoshimura Otomo, who was usually so kind and approachable, now with such a pleading expression, Tsuruko suddenly felt a sense of responsibility!
"Hey, if that's the case, then I'll supervise!"
"Don't worry, I will definitely ensure the smooth launch of the promotional campaign for 'Kiki's Delivery Service'!"
Yoshimura Daitomo was deeply moved:
"That's great!"
"."
Then came another round of encouragement, which filled Tsuruko with motivation!
After Tsuruko left the office, Yoshimura Otomo's expression changed, becoming extremely smug:
"Ha, I knew my acting skills were good enough to make it in the entertainment industry!"
"Tsuruko must have been completely fooled by my performance!"
In reality, this kind of supervisory work could be directly handed over to the head of the animation department, but Yoshimura Otomo happens to have some distrust of the relatively independent animation department. He'll take advantage of Tsuruko's sharp tongue to see the true colors of the animation department members!
"It can also be considered a kind of training for Tsuruko!"
Naoki Nagayama was actually quite worried about whether Tsuruko could handle the immense wealth she had amassed at such a young age, since he couldn't always be there for her.
So I told Otomo-san a long time ago that Tsuruko should learn how to run a company during her time at Jyu-yu.
"However, it's still good that one thing is missing: I can go to Roppongi for a drink tonight!"
At this moment, on the fourth floor of Shuyou's house, is the office of the Tokyo Film Industry Association.
The second-generation chairman, Ikuo Suo, is holding a preparatory meeting for the Tokyo International Film Festival.
"The venue has been decided. It will once again be held at the NHK Hall."
Suo Ikuo proceeded methodically with the preparations for the film festival. After Doi Tagako became prime minister and former chairman Itō Shuichi went into politics, all his other competitors gave up, and he smoothly became the chairman of the film association, wielding absolute power within the association.
Ah, no, he still needs to listen to Itō Shuichi on some matters.
"The Prime Minister will attend this film festival and deliver the opening address."
At this point, Suoh Ikuo became somewhat excited.
"This signifies that the Tokyo International Film Festival has once again risen to a higher level, becoming a major national event."
"Therefore, our preparations this time must be even more meticulous."
"."
"Has it been decided?" "Really?" "If the Prime Minister attends, that would be truly impressive."
The members of the preparatory committee present all whispered among themselves, expressing their shock at the matter.
Just as he was getting into the swing of things, Masatoshi Hirano, the representative from the Ministry of Education, became somewhat anxious and asked:
"Chairman Suo, why haven't we heard anything about the Prime Minister also attending?"
According to the previous session's arrangements, the Minister of Education was supposed to give the address this time. You know, when I had drinks with the Minister of Education before, he said he was really looking forward to it!
"This matter has already been decided internally, and the Cabinet Secretariat will release it in due course."
Suoh Ikuo, suppressing his anger, said...
"Let's start by planning the film festival based on this fact."
Upon hearing this, Masatoshi Hirano had no choice but to stop asking questions, though he felt a pang of frustration, realizing that he, as a standing committee member, seemed to know absolutely nothing.
"Hi"
Seeing that Masatoshi Hirano stopped asking questions, Ikuo Suo continued, and soon they arrived at the list of judges.
Naoki Nagayama will serve as the chairperson of this year's jury.
"Autumn beans and burlap sacks!!"
Masatoshi Hirano spoke instinctively, his face full of surprise:
"The chairman of the judging panel, they just made the decision directly?! Why wasn't there any discussion?!"
"."
Suoh Ikuo was somewhat helpless.
This matter has already been discussed.
"With whom?!"
"."
Where did this hothead come from?!
Suoh Ikuo was stunned. Of course, this was a decision made privately by several bigwigs!
He can get the Prime Minister to come, so surely he can't appoint a mere chairman of the judging panel?!
However, Suo Ikuo felt that Hirano Masatoshi had only arrived after the previous Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology changed its leadership, and might not be very familiar with the rules of the Film Association, so he looked at the others:
"Nominations for Naoki Nagayama's jury chairmanship now begin. Who's in favor? Who's against?"
"."
After a few seconds of hesitation, all the veteran members present expressed their agreement.
Are you kidding me? The Tokyo International Film Festival's funding comes from the Tree Friends Support Fund, and the Tree Friends still hold control of that fund!
Not to mention Naoki Nagayama's status and influence in the entertainment industry; he'd be more than qualified to be the chairman of a judging panel!
"Alright, the chairman of the judging panel has been chosen. It's Naoki Nagayama!"
Suo Ikuo glanced at Hirano Masatoshi and continued:
"Let's move on to the next item."
This behavior clearly demonstrates one thing: this film association will always be Naoki-san's association!! It will always be ruled by Naoki Nagayama!!
At this moment, Masatoshi Hirano was completely dumbfounded; he had never imagined that the film festival's preparatory meeting would turn out like this.
This is definitely a cover-up!
However, having learned his lesson, he didn't say a word.
"Next item: The opening film of the film festival."
"Tentatively titled 'Kiki's Delivery Service'!!"
"Huh? What movie is this?" "It seems to be an animated film!" "What? The opening movie is an animated film?" "That seems a bit too low-class." "Tree fans shouldn't be so greedy."
Previously, there was no problem with the chairman of the judging panel, but regarding this matter, the members of the organizing committee started to discuss it!
Because the opening film did indeed affect their own interests!
Among those present are representatives from various film production companies, who are eager to promote their own films!
"Okay, okay~"
Suo Ikuo clapped his hands and explained,
"The choice of this opening film wasn't entirely because of my friend, Tree Friends!"
"You all remember the Tokyo Anime Festival from a while ago, right?"
"Hey! I remember!!" "It was so lively!" "I went too."
Suo Ikuo nodded, "It's good that everyone knows."
"That animation festival made the higher-ups realize the potential of the animation industry."
"In the near future, an important cultural policy will be introduced, called the 'Culture-Based Nation' strategy."
"The key area for support is the animation industry."
"Therefore, our film industry must also align with policy."
He then shared with everyone the information he had received from Shuichi Itō, listing the terms of the cultural nation-building policy.
Finally, he said:
"As I just mentioned, this is tentative. If any of you have better animated films to suggest, please feel free to nominate them."
At this point, the standing committee members had nothing to say. Instead, they all started thinking about whether their own countries had any suitable animated films.
"It's okay if you can't think of anything right now. You can go back and think about it, and we'll decide at the next meeting!"
Suo Ikuo skipped over that topic and moved on to the next item.
"Next item."
The preparatory meeting for the Tokyo International Film Festival lasted an entire afternoon.
As the sun sets, its golden rays paint a golden outline on everything in Yama-oku-in Garden.
Even the originally pure white Eitaro has turned into a glittering gold.
Seeing this, Naoki Nagayama's playful side was aroused:
"Hana-chan, help me hold Eitaro down!!"
"it is good!!"
Xia Hua immediately did as instructed, running over and grabbing the dog's two ears. Ying Taro wasn't in pain, but he didn't dare to move, afraid of knocking his little master over. He could only tilt his head and be pulled in front of Nagayama Naoki.
Meanwhile, Naoki Nagayama found a red crayon and started drawing on Eitaro's forehead, saying as he did so:
"Eitarou, once this talisman is drawn, you'll no longer be an ordinary dog."
After a few strokes, a red divine rune was drawn.
At this moment, Eitaro, with his white body and a red talisman between his brows, radiated golden light in the setting sun, as if he had truly become divine!
"Good dog!! It really feels like the real-life Nyanko-sensei!"
Speaking of the fat cat in Natsume's Book of Friends, Naoki Nagayama subconsciously turned his gaze to Nyantaro, wanting to draw one for him too. But the big orange cat jumped up and ran away in a flash.
When Xiaoxia saw that Yingtaro had been drawn, she ran over and wanted to have her own drawing done too:
"Dad, I want to draw a question mark too!"
"Hmm, that's a divine talisman."
"A divine rune with a question mark?!"
"."
Looking at the dog again, it really does look like a question mark.
"Okay, draw one for Huajiang too!"
Naoki Nagayama cradled the little one's tender face in one hand and drew her a picture with crayons. Then, seeing Little Ren looking over with curious eyes, he didn't miss her either, and lit up her forehead as well!
Finally, he even put a period to his own story. The whole family was covered in graffiti!
"Hahaha~"
Just as they were laughing, Akina returned.
As she entered the foyer, Xiaoxia Hua immediately hugged her legs:
"Mom, you're back!"
"Hi"
Akina bent down and picked up Natsuka, noticing the question mark on her forehead, and couldn't help but ask,
"What is this?!"
"This is a divine talisman!!"
"Oh? That's amazing."
As he walked into the living room, he saw the dog approaching, and Naoki Nagayama, who was holding little Lian, even had a pockmark on his forehead. He couldn't help but find it a bit comical and couldn't help but laugh.
"Haha~ What are you doing?!"
"Uh...haha~"
Naoki Nagayama didn't know how to explain, so he could only laugh it off:
"Just playing around."
The smile of her husband, the laughter of Hana-chan in her arms, the outstretched hand of little Ren to hug her, and the pain of Eitaro's thick tail hitting her calf—all these made Akina feel incredibly real!
As Akina watched this scene, she smiled and felt a deep sense of peace filling her heart.
The lingering fear that arose in my heart during the recording finally disappeared as I was surrounded by everyone.
"Eitaro, are you trying to break my legs?!"