novelnext Chapter 1503, Episode 1512: Akina, let's go perform at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Intern
Chapter 1503, Episode 1512: Akina, let's go perform at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Intern
Chapter 1503, Episode 1512: Akina, go perform at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival!
The first Fast & Furious movie wasn't too difficult to edit. Unlike Jurassic Park, it didn't have many special effects shots to create. At most, the car chase scenes just needed to be changed a bit more.
With the original footage already in his head, the editing should have only taken about a month. However, Naoki Nagayama made some major modifications to suit the Japanese style, so the editing time will be longer.
"Let's switch to a shot from the protagonist's perspective inside the car!"
Naoki Nagayama greeted Kyō Kijima.
"It needs to be added to the car chase scene."
Kijima Kyoya immediately selected a segment from the materials and respectfully handed it over.
In those days, computer editing software didn't exist, so Naoki Nagayama was still using old-fashioned editing methods. In fact, it would take decades for high-definition digital technology to catch up with film in terms of quality.
It's currently in the initial editing stage. Generally, all the shots are roughly edited and spliced together according to the script's storyboard. Then, it will undergo two more rounds of fine editing. The second round addresses unnatural shots and asynchronicities in various sound effects, among other details. The final round is adjusted based on the director's interpretation and visual impression.
However, it's much easier for Naoki Nagayama, since he already has ready-made references in his mind!
After editing for over an hour, Naoki Nagayama had to take a break. This kind of editing was just too taxing on his eyes!
Just then, Matsuo Muneo ran over:
"Naoki-san's yacht has been chosen!"
"Ah, a yacht!"
Naoki Nagayama suddenly remembered that as the chairman of the jury, he was supposed to watch the nominated films on the yacht and then select the winning films for this year's Tokyo International Film Festival!
What kind of is it?
"Hey, Naoki-san, look here!"
Matsuo Muneo handed over the yacht information, smiling as he spoke.
"It's a sailing yacht with a very imposing name, called 'Emperor'!"
"The Emperor's Ship, hehe~"
Having nothing to say about the name, Naoki Nagayama looked at the pristine white yacht in the documents, examined its layout and decor, and nodded.
"It looks nice inside. Where are the crew members?"
"The crew will also be provided by the yacht brokerage company! Once it's finalized, just let us know the specific dates!"
Matsuo Muneo continued,
"It is also equipped with a professional chef, and supplies on board can be replenished at any time."
"Hmm~"
Naoki Nagayama was very satisfied and didn't want to choose any more.
"This one will do. Matsuo-kun, go and place the order! Let the company use my account."
"Hi~~"
After Matsuo Muneo left with a sigh of relief, Naoki Nagayama thought for a moment and realized that he also needed to keep an eye on the Tokyo International Film Festival, so he called Ikuo Suo.
"Chairman Suoh. Sasshiburi~"
"Ah, it's Nagayama-san!"
Upon hearing Naoki Nagayama's voice, Suo Ikuo's tone immediately became enthusiastic.
"Are you editing a movie lately? How's it going?"
"Yes, everything went very smoothly."
Naoki Nagayama and Ikuo Suo didn't have much of a relationship, so they exchanged a few perfunctory pleasantries before Naoki said...
"By the way, Mr. Suo, how far along are the preparations for this year's Tokyo International Film Festival?"
"The revised publicity plan for this film festival has been approved by the organizing committee."
In fact, the adjustments to the Prime Minister's attendance plan and the postponement of the red carpet event were thoroughly discussed at the meeting.
"The publicity has already started! The Cabinet Office has also cooperated by releasing information about the Prime Minister's attendance!"
"Haha, that's good, that's good!"
Naoki Nagayama smiled and said,
"The fact that the Prime Minister is attending this year's Tokyo International Film Festival is a major highlight!"
"Yes, this time we can elevate the level of the Tokyo International Film Festival even further."
After exchanging a few words, Naoki Nagayama spoke about his side:
"Regarding the jury, I've already booked the yacht. Then we'll have the nominated films moved onto the yacht one by one. We can also inform the jury members of the time and location!"
"Oh? It's already been decided?"
Suo Ikuo immediately made a promise after his initial surprise.
"Okay, I'll have the executive committee members prepare the video right away."
"As for the rest of the judging panel, we'll need some time."
The jury members aren't just Japanese directors and producers; there are also people from Europe and America! It takes time for them to fly over.
"Hahaha, you duct tape!"
Naoki Nagayama smiled and said,
"Anyway, we won't be going to the yacht until mid-month."
The film review process took two weeks, coinciding with the start of the film festival in November. It was during this period that the editing of *Fast & Furious* had to be temporarily suspended.
"Yongshan Mulberry"
Suoh Ikuo then said,
"We'd like to invite Akina-san to the opening performance of the Tokyo International Film Festival again. What do you think?"
Akina had been invited to perform before, but now she's making a comeback, performing at a major event like the Tokyo International Film Festival, which gives her even more exposure than the Kohaku Uta Gassen!
"Haha, of course!"
Although he knew that Suoh Ikuo was trying to curry favor, Naoki Nagayama didn't feel the need to remain aloof or avoid suspicion. The entertainment industry is a place of fame and fortune; if he wouldn't let Akina perform, others would naturally offer her opportunities.
"That's good. I'll have someone contact Ken-on right away!"
"Thank you so much!"
"."
After a few words, Naoki Nagayama hung up the phone and returned to the editing room.
After sitting there for a while, seeing Kijima Kyō carefully selecting materials, he spoke up:
"Kishima-kun"
"Hi?"
"For the second half of the month, I need to attend the Tokyo International Film Festival as a jury member! I probably won't be able to come and edit!"
Naoki Nagayama didn't waste any words.
"So these next few days, we'll work hard to get the first rough cut done, and then we'll have to rely on you for the second, more detailed cut!"
Upon hearing this, Kijima was not surprised but delighted. Ever since he was caught by Naoki-san for his trickery, he had been worried that his position in Naoki-san's heart had declined!
This time, they actually entrusted me with such an important and meticulous editing task. This is clearly a sign that they still favor me!
"Hi!!"
Kijima immediately patted his chest and guaranteed,
"I will definitely do well!"
"Hmm~ then I'm relieved!"
Prime Minister's official residence.
Shuichi Itō arrived at Tagako Doi's office again, and Tagako Doi seemed quite busy this time, with many documents to be signed.
"Shuichi-san is here!"
Doi Tagako took off her glasses and said to Itō Shuichi...
"I can't attend tomorrow's hearing, so I'm leaving everything to you!"
Tomorrow is the hearing for the "Culture-Based Nation" proposal, but Doi Tagako is flying abroad tonight, taking some of her close associates with her. So, it can be said that only Itō Shuichi will be able to hold the fort at the hearing!
"Hi!"
Shuichi Itō, on the other hand, was full of confidence.
"We are fully prepared for the hearing!"
All members of the hearing committee have been taken care of, and even the invited third-party organizations and well-known industry experts have had plans tailored to their individual needs.
"That's good!"
Doi Tagako already trusted Itō Shuichi's abilities. She stood up, sat down on the sofa, and gestured for Itō Shuichi to sit down as well.
"The Chief Cabinet Secretary has already announced the Tokyo International Film Festival to the media. I will attend it upon my return!"
"Hey! That couldn't be better!"
Itō Shuichi's face lit up with joy.
"The proposal of 'building a nation through culture' must have already sparked widespread discussion at that time. Mr. Doi's attendance at the Tokyo International Film Festival at that time was undoubtedly a strong support for the cultural industry and cultural policies!"
"Haha, stop with the nice things!"
Doi Tagako waved her hand.
"After the hearings, there's still the House vote. There's a long way to go before we can finalize things by April next year!"
The biggest concern now is that the opposition parties might obstruct the proposal from passing smoothly.
In capitalist politics, opposing parties don't care whether a proposal is beneficial to the country or its people. As long as it's something their rival party wants to do, they will oppose it. When this struggle reaches its most intense point, they might even impeach the prime minister!
"I will definitely support the vote!"
Doi Tagako continued,
"However, as you know, although the Social Democratic Party is currently the ruling party, it is actually in a state of coalition government!"
While the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was scrambling to recover from the Recruit bribery scandal and its reputation was ruined, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) joined forces with some opposition parties and took a piece of the original LDP, thus becoming the ruling party today.
In fact, the interest groups within the ruling party are quite complex. Doi Tagako is also heavily constrained in some matters.
"I'll have Kawabata Juto give you a list of those who object."
Doi Tagako said, gesturing to Kawabata Juto beside her.
"After the hearing, if you can't win these people over or turn them against you, you can consider letting them resign gracefully. After all, there aren't many clean politicians."
"Me?!"
Itō Shuichi's eyes widened, looking exactly like the Nine-Headed Insect ordering Benbo Ba to kill Tang Sanzang and his disciples.
"But this kind of thing..."
These kinds of things are usually handled by the bigwigs within the ruling party, like the third or fifth party leaders! There's an important position within the ruling party called the General Affairs Chairman, who is specifically responsible for coordinating factional relations and this kind of thing is usually done by him.
"Young people, you need to take on more responsibilities!"
Doi Tagako patted him on the shoulder.
"Shuichi is currently on the election strategy committee, right? After 'Culture-based Nation Building,' perhaps he can be promoted towards the position of General Affairs Chairman."
Politicians are naturally adept at making empty promises!
"."
Hearing this, Shuichi Itō was also a little excited. Although it was impossible for him to become the chairman of the general council directly, he would undoubtedly be able to strengthen his voice within the ruling party!
"Hi, I'll do it!"
"Yes, I'm relieved to hear that, Shuichi-san!"
Doi Tagako was naturally at ease. If Itō Shuichi didn't do a good job, didn't he still have the Kiyu Group and Nagayama Naoki behind him?
Doi Tagako truly admires this once-in-a-century young man. In less than ten years, he has managed to propel his family into the ranks of zaibatsu. Such a person is undoubtedly a chosen one!
With this in mind, she became even more lenient towards Itō Shuichi, the political representative of Shuyu.
"Xiu Yisang, you haven't tried how to win over and turn politicians, have you? Let me tell you."
Doi Tagako began to teach by example, much to the astonishment of her secretary, Kawabata Juto. Doi Tagako had never been so considerate, not even to her own children or nephews!
"On methods of courting in politics"
Shuichi Itō naturally knew how to win people over, nothing more than wine, women, money, and power. However, he listened attentively to how to turn a politician against him and how to make a politician leave office gracefully.
However, after hearing this, the most they would do is seize on dirt, grab a handle, and use coercion and bribery. The most important thing is that they have a handle on their hands!
You can obtain information through detectives, paparazzi, informants, or even by exchanging information with other politicians.
No wonder I've heard that some political groups require members to first commit illegal and immoral acts to join, so that both sides have leverage over each other, ensuring they're truly on the same side.
"Isn't this just like the pledge of allegiance made by bandits in the past?"
When Naoki Nagayama returned to Yamaoin that evening, he was surprised to find his academically challenged wife reading a book!
It's not a novel or comic book! It's a history book!!
"Akina?!"
Naoki Nagayama carried Natsuka to Akina's side on the sofa and reached out to touch her forehead.
"No fever?!"
"The sun didn't set in the east today either?!"
"."
Akina angrily slapped Naoki Nagayama's hand away, rolled her eyes, and then showed him the book she was holding.
"I want to see what other zaibatsu families like Mitsubishi and Mitsui built besides their own schools when they rose to power."
This book is the history of Mitsubishi's rise to prominence, "Mitsubishi's 100-Year History"!
Since Naoki Nagayama said he wanted to build his own school, Akina realized that the Nagayama family is no longer just rich and powerful, but is moving towards a higher social class.
It's their own school, their own hospital, their own bank, their own dock, their own roads, and even their own political party.
In short, from this perspective, the Nagayama family has only just begun its journey to becoming a zaibatsu (financial conglomerate)!
"Hahaha"
Naoki Nagayama laughed.
"There's no need to worry too much about this! As our family gets better, we'll make up for it one by one!"
These are things that can only be considered after one has money and power. Now, the Yongshan family has achieved the goal of having money and has also made progress in terms of power. Shuyou can now influence the country's basic national policies!
The large mountainous areas of Shizuoka have already been annexed by the father and eldest brother, while the matters involving the gray areas are being handled by the eldest brother and uncle. As for Naoki Nagayama himself, all he needs to do is maintain the upward trend and... have more children!
Akina nodded, seemingly understanding, but she quickly realized that she wasn't very smart to begin with, but that didn't matter. As long as Naoki-san was smart enough, she could just listen to him!
"All right!"
Akina took Natsuka from Naoki Nagayama's arms and led the two of them to the restaurant.
"No matter what, eating well is the most important thing!"
"Haha, yeah!"
Naoki Nagayama laughed again.
"The most important thing is to take good care of your health! Eat well so that Huajiang can grow up quickly!"
"grow up!!"
Hua Jiang raised her spoon and called out at just the right moment, and then finally began to enjoy her dinner!
During dinner, Naoki Nagayama and Akina talked about what happened during the day.
"At this year's Tokyo International Film Festival, Chairman Ikuo Suo said he would like to invite you to perform at the opening ceremony."
Naoki Nagayama looked at Akina.
"Is everything alright?"
"Huh?!!"
Akina stopped in surprise; she had no problem with acting, of course.
"But...won't people say it's a misuse of public resources or something?"
"Haha, let them say what they want."
Naoki Nagayama didn't care.
"Anyway, if this opportunity isn't given to Akina, it's given to other entertainers, and their performances might not even be as good as Akina's!"
Akina's stage presence is truly exceptional. This is widely recognized in the industry, and many creators and musicians have collaborated with her because of it.
Naoki Nagayama's tone gave Akina confidence:
"In that case, I'll go!"
"Okay~ I should be able to contact Ken-on soon."