Tokyo Bubble Life

Chapter 1454, page 1643: The anime chapter starts the day after tomorrow!!

Chapter 1454, page 1643: The Anime Festival is the day after tomorrow!!

After news of the anime festival spread, the atmosphere in Akihabara became even more vibrant than the July weather!

Upon entering the neighborhood, anime elements are everywhere.

The parking sign is shaped like Astro Boy, the exterior wall of the stadium features a basketball shot by Sakuragi Hanamichi, Yamcha is holding a welcome flag, Chibi Maruko-chan is pulling her grandfather to go inside the restaurant, Gian is singing in the park on the street corner, and a tall Gundam statue stands proudly in front of the department store.

With the shops along the street decorated in anime style and billboards full of slogans and images related to anime and manga, Akihabara is like bringing anime from the two-dimensional world to the three-dimensional world!

The anime festival hasn't officially started yet, but countless anime fans have already flocked there. In Japan these days, finding a cosmopolitan hub is really difficult.

"European Model Series~~"

Ueda Yu, a high school student who was already on summer vacation, dragged his best friend Kojima Ichido along and drove directly from Shikoku to Tokyo.

"There's even an Astro Boy sign here!"

"Hurry up, Yitong, take a picture of me and Astro Boy together!"

Kojima Ichido took a photo of Ueda Isamu with a hint of helplessness.

After taking the photos out of the Polaroid camera, Ueda Yu quickly shook them up and down to make the image clear, then looked at them with great delight. Finally, he contentedly put them into his scrapbook.

Both of them come from wealthy families, which is why they have the energy to attend anime conventions and take Polaroid photos whenever they want.

In fact, in this day and age, anime and manga culture is still a niche culture, and those who love anime and manga are generally considered wealthy.

In reality, people who enjoy niche cultures are usually well-off; otherwise, who would have the time, energy, and money to cultivate a niche interest?

During the height of the bubble economy, when people had abundant wealth and making money seemed too easy, niche subcultures like anime and manga began to develop and started to move closer to mainstream culture.

Just then, Ueda Yu saw Chibi Maruko-chan in front of the restaurant and immediately said happily:

"Aha, the restaurant that Chibi Maruko-chan wanted to take Grandpa to must be delicious! Let's go try it!"

"."

Kojima Kazuto sighed.

"Ueda, since arriving in Akihabara, you've already bought a commemorative ticket at the subway station, a mecha model at the toy store, mochi at the dango shop, and a four-star Dragon Ball at the souvenir shop."

"If things continue like this, the money we brought won't last until the anime festival starts."

After all, they are both still at the age where they receive living expenses.

"Didn't we agree to buy some nice single volumes?"

"But...this shop smells so good!"

Ueda Isamu looked at the Chibi Maruko-chan shop at the entrance, feeling reluctant to leave. Then, after glancing at the customers inside, he said to his friend...

"And there are so many diners, it's really popular! Hey, there are so many young ladies!"

"??"

Keyword detection!

Kojima Ichido immediately peered through the shop window with his 24K pure gold eyes~

Sure enough, most of those attracted to Chibi Maruko-chan are cute young women! Of course, there are also some women of other genders who are attracted to the young women.

"Alright! I'm a little hungry, let's go get a bowl of ramen!"

Kojima Ichido's attitude suddenly made a 180-degree turn.

"However, we'll have to be frugal from now on!"

"Hi hi hi"

Ueda Isamu was carefree and didn't care.

"If we run out of money, we can just do part-time jobs!"

"Do you think part-time jobs are that easy to find?!"

While grumbling about his friend, Kojima Ichido walked into the store, determined to give Ueda Isamu a good talking-to after he finished eating! Making money in this world isn't so easy!

However, after finishing their tonkotsu ramen, the two arrived at the Radio Hall, the main venue of the anime convention, and easily spotted job postings and a recruitment booth at the entrance.

"Volunteers during the anime festival?"

Kojima Ichido picked up a flyer and started reading it.

"The daily wage is 1000 yen. The main job is to maintain order, distribute flyers, and interact with tourists while wearing anime costumes or mascot costumes. Lunch is provided?!"

Ueda Yu immediately laughed:

"It's a great part-time job! You can browse the venue while maintaining order. You might even bump into a cartoonist!"

"And cosplay is a lot of fun!!"

"Yitong, let's sign up for part-time jobs quickly!"

"."

The cautious Kojima Ichido was somewhat skeptical; there's no such thing as a free lunch! He pulled the excited Ueda Isamu aside and led him to the information desk to ask questions.

"Is this part-time job legitimate?!"

"Of course it's legitimate!"

Shibata Dynamics, one of the employees of the event company hired by Shuyou, was assigned to the recruitment office. He spoke very gently to the two high school students in front of him.

"Because the popularity of our anime festival is rising so rapidly, we expect the number of visitors to exceed our capacity, so we temporarily hired part-time staff."

"Don't worry, all the jobs listed here are real, and the job descriptions are accurate! Jobs will be assigned uniformly later."

"."

Kojima Ichido was still a little skeptical.

"Then why does the condition description state 'no hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, or other diseases, no major cardiovascular or brain diseases,' etc."

"Ah, well, that's to avoid unnecessary risks!"

Shibata Dynamics laughed.

"We can't possibly have someone who's not in good health doing part-time work, can we? What if they get sick on the day of the job?!"

"."

While Kojima Ichido hesitated, Ueda Isamu patted him on the shoulder:

"Alright, Yitong. What are you waiting for with such a great part-time job!"

Then he slapped the two job postings on the information desk table.

"We did it!"

"..." Kojima Ichido had no choice but to sign his information as well.

After signing the papers and learning that they needed to meet there at the designated time the next day, Ueda Isamu and Kojima Ichido happily left, still saying:

"On the day of the anime festival, we can go to the exhibition while we're inside the venue, and we won't even need tickets. How great would that be!"

Shibata Dynamics, who had carefully put away the registration forms, smiled silently upon hearing this:

"Those two silly boys, they won't even know they've been sold off!"

"How could you possibly be assigned to work inside the studio? You'll definitely be dressed up in mascot costumes and interacting with people on the street!"

Wearing a mascot costume under the blazing sun—anyone knows how arduous that is.

"Otherwise, why do you think we would label ourselves as being in good health and free from diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar?"

"Sigh, let the most romantic anime festival teach you the cruelty of this world!"

"."

Actually, this is because the Tree Friends Group is controlling things from above, preventing the activities from going too far astray. Otherwise, these kinds of jobs are usually subcontracted layer by layer to lower-level channels, and might end up being taken by some unscrupulous group, who then pressures certain individuals to accept the orders at extremely low prices.

These days, the Japanese underworld is very active; they're involved in almost every major event.

Meanwhile, in the building belonging to Shuyou, Masami Inada was also holding a mobilization and communication meeting.

Many artists from Tree Friends' company also appeared in the conference room. Even the long-absent Cat's Eye Sisters were spotted!

"Thank you so much, Mika-chan, Hisa-chan, and Ayano-chan, for participating in this event!"

Masami Inada's tone was very polite. Although the popularity of the Cat's Eye trio has declined and they have basically changed careers, these three are veterans of the group that the fans just started. I heard that they were the idol group that Otomo-san supported back then!

The three of them were specially invited out because of the appearance of the anime "Cat's Eye".

"Not at all, it's our honor!"

Mikasa Ohno, who has already retired, said with a smile.

"Besides, the three of us haven't gotten together in a long time, so this is a good opportunity for us to reunite."

In fact, the three of them were quite happy about this kind of activity, because they separated because their popularity had declined, not because they had any dissatisfaction with their fans.

As everyone knows, the fans are always very generous with money. It's just a small gig, whether it's Ono Mikana retiring after getting married or the two switching to other professions, they both need money.

Even in today's bubble economy, apart from the sex industry, there is no industry where women can earn more than the entertainment industry!

"That's good, that's good. You're among the first batch of anime characters to open the event this time, so afterwards you only need to greet fans in your own booth at the anime festival."

After Masaharu Inada finished speaking, he looked at Junko Ito:

"Junko-chan, you're the main course!"

Speaking of Junko Ito, she was originally the first artist signed by Naoki Nagayama after he accidentally picked up her name tag. After investing heavily in her career, she did indeed rise to the top tier of the idol world.

However, the idol industry has collapsed in recent years. Apart from a few truly evergreen idols, Junko Ito couldn't stop her popularity from declining and is now a second-tier idol.

"Your concert is one of the most important events in the main events of the anime festival!"

The anime festival has planned a series of activities, including an opening performance, anime previews, concerts, cosplay, trade fairs, and even a carnival in the evening. It's quite a large event!

Being able to hold a concert at the anime festival at this time is undoubtedly a very important opportunity.

"Not only your fans, but also anime enthusiasts and other tourists."

Masami Inada spoke solemnly.

"Your performance is very important!"

"Hi, I'll do my best!"

Junko Ito nodded seriously. She knew she couldn't dwell on past glories forever. Expanding her fanbase at the anime festival might give her career a new lease on life!

"Uh-huh!"

Masami Inada nodded and continued looking at Hayao Miyazaki in the animation department:

"Miyazaki, you're in charge of the My Neighbor Totoro exhibit."

"We can also promote the upcoming 'Kiki's Delivery Service' movie first. The trailer should be ready by now, right?!"

"Hi!"

Hayao Miyazaki nodded.

"It's done!"

Production of "Kiki's Delivery Service" is in full swing, and they have already started combining the celluloid sheets and transferring them onto film!

"That's good. In that case, it can be considered as advance publicity for the movie's future release!"

Masami Inada laughed. It was very rare for an agency to be able to empower the film business!

"Anime festivals are almost exclusively for animated film audiences. I believe this event might lay a good foundation!"

"Hey, I understand!"

Miyazaki Hayao answered seriously.

"We will do our best to promote 'Kiki's Delivery Service'!"

"Uh-huh."

Masami Inada turned to look at Yoshihiro Togashi.

"So, Mr. Togashi, regarding the Slam Dunk exhibition area, what about your department?"

Yoshihiro Togashi spoke directly:

"In addition to the related manga volumes, in the latest issue of the manga series, we've also released a special episode titled 'Sakuragi Hanamichi and Akagi Haruko Visit the Anime Festival.' We believe it will attract even more fans of Slam Dunk to the event!"

"Furthermore, we've borrowed a few basketball shooting machines from the arcade, which we'll place in the exhibition area."

Listening to Yoshihiro Togashi's preparations, Masami Inada was quite satisfied. He had been worried for a long time when he entrusted the two special exhibition areas for tree enthusiasts to the animation department.

"it is good"

Masami Inada looked at everyone present.

"Besides us tree enthusiasts, many other social groups will also participate. We must let everyone see the spirit of us tree enthusiasts!"

Hi! XN

Nighttime, in the Yama-oka-in courtyard.

Naoki Nagayama received a call from Tsuruko:

"You idiot, did you choose this day of the anime convention to make me take care of the kids?!"

"Oh? You're only just finding out?"

Naoki Nagayama, holding Natsuka, said with a smile,

"That's exactly why! Akina and I wanted to go on a date. What's wrong with that?!"

"You!! You did this on purpose!"

Crane was furious.

"But I also want to go to the anime convention!"

"Oh dear, what should we do? We already made a reservation! We've even lent you the Red Fish Courtyard!"

Naoki Nagayama's nonchalant tone was infuriating, and what's crucial is the next sentence.

"And I already told Hana-chan that Aunt Tsuruko will be coming over the day after tomorrow. I'll spend a day with her!"

"Hua Jiang is so happy!"

As he spoke, Naoki Nagayama handed the phone to Natsuka, who was eager to try it out:

"Aunt Hezi~~"

"."

Hearing her niece's soft, adorable voice, Tsuruko felt a sudden sense of relief and immediately picked up her chopsticks as well.

"Ya Hana-chan!!"

"Aunt Tsuruko, are you coming to see Hana-chan the day after tomorrow?!"

"Um..." Tsuruko paused for a moment, then nodded so as not to hurt the adorable Hana-chan's feelings. "Yes. I'll be here the day after tomorrow."

"Very good!!"

Xia Hua's tone was filled with laughter.

"Good girl, Hua Jiang~"

At this moment, Naoki Nagayama picked up the phone again:

"Ha! Tsuruko, this time you agreed to it yourself!"

"You idiot, you tricked me!!"

"Hahaha, so what! You have to come the day after tomorrow whether you want to or not!!"

Naoki Nagayama threatened,

"Otherwise, I'll call my mother and tell her that you broke your promise and made Hua Jiang cry!"

"you!!!"

Hearing the sound of the microphone being hung up, Naoki Nagayama smiled with satisfaction.

He looked down at Xia Hua, who still wanted to continue speaking:

"Aunt Hezi had something to do and hung up."

"Oh~" The little guy was a bit disappointed.

"But it's okay. Aunt Tsuruko will be here the day after tomorrow!"

Naoki Nagayama comforted his daughter.

"I'll spend the whole day playing with Hana-chan then!"

Okay~~

Xiaoxia was quickly appeased and happily went off to catch Yingtaro again~

Akina, who was holding Nagayama Ren and preparing to change his diaper, had been watching Nagayama Naoki make a phone call. She spoke up at this moment:

"Isn't Naoki-san being a little unfair to Tsuruko?"

"?"

Naoki Nagayama looked at Akina.

"Don't you want to go out and have fun together?!"

"."

Akina glanced at Nagayama Ren in her arms. For over ten months, she had barely left the house because of this little guy.

Now I have the opportunity to go on a date with Naoki-san, and I've also found a nanny.

"As expected... I still feel bad for Tsuruko."

"Haha~"

Naoki Nagayama approached and placed Ren Nagayama on the sofa to change his diaper.

"Lianjiang, time for a new diaper!"

He had just taken off his old clothes, wiped his bottom, and was about to change him into something new when he looked at the little guy and smiled.

"Oh, and also, Mom and Dad are going out to play the day after tomorrow, but they're not taking you!"

"."

Although Nagayama Ren didn't understand what this person was saying, he sensed a subtle malice. So he decided to teach him a lesson.

Then Naoki Nagayama saw a stream of water suddenly gushing out.

"Huh?!"

"Ren-chan, what are you doing?!"