Shinji: Damn, I Don't Recognize Anyone on Stage

You want to compare seniority, huh? Then I'll find someone to keep things in check.

Although Kurosawa Hisao is a generation younger than Johnny Kitagawa was actually older when he entered the entertainment industry.

Furthermore, Kurosawa Hisao's father, Kurosawa Akira, is the Emperor of Japan cinema, which puts him on par with the two veterans from Johnny & Associates's Entertainment.

Asking Kurosawa Hisao to help him maintain order was a last resort. Master Shinji, Matou Zouken, was of the right generation, but he wasn't in the entertainment industry and had no connection with Johnny & Associates's.

Tsuburaya Productions does have a few veterans, but their status is far inferior to that of the two from Johnny & Associates's, making them incomparable.

The cost of bringing in Kurosawa Hisao was not small. Shinji not only got the Britain media to award his father, Kurosawa Akira, a whole host of prizes, but he also found a way to make Kurosawa Hisao a jury member at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding; he who takes another's gift is obligated to do his bidding.

Shinji was so enthusiastic that Kurosawa Hisao naturally felt embarrassed to refuse his small request.

Of course, Shinji's praise for Kurosawa Akira and Kurosawa Hisao wasn't just for today's dinner.

He also wanted to establish a monument for the Japan film industry, making Kurosawa Akira a role model and idol for Japan filmmakers.

Despite Shinji's background in commercial films, his understanding of art films is no less than that of commercial films.

Shinji knew very well that for the film industry to flourish, both highbrow and lowbrow audiences were essential.

Commercial films and art films are not opposed to each other; they should learn from each other and make progress together.

How many space science fiction films have been inspired by the art film <2001: A Space Odyssey>?

Shinji truly despises filmmakers who make art films for a niche audience but insist on gaining mainstream approval and forcing people to say "it's good."

These people talk about "art," but their hearts are always set on their own interests.

As for why Kurosawa Akira was chosen, it's because in the entire Japan film industry, Emperor Kurosawa's vision and aura far surpass all other film Director.

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7 PM, Tokyo Hotel.

Shinji, Shirou, and Kurosawa Hisao arrived at the banquet venue almost right on time.

The banquet was bustling with people and filled with lively chatter.

TBS really went all out this time, inviting everyone they could.

At the entrance of the lavishly decorated, modern banquet hall, Johnny Kitagawa and his sister Fujishima Taiko, stood waiting for Shinji and his entourage.

Following the Kitagawa siblings were SMAP, the group of Takuya Kimura, and V6, the group of Hiroshi Nagano.

"Shinji, you don't have future vision, do you? They really are waiting for you."

Shirou nudged Shinji and muttered a complaint in a low voice.

Even though he doesn't usually pay much attention, he recognized the two Johnny & Associates's veterans.

After all, the man wearing sunglasses and the woman wearing black-rimmed glasses, this combination is truly Kitagawa siblings in the entire Japan entertainment industry.

"Hmph."

Shinji didn't say anything, but his face was full of smugness.

But at the same time, Shinji also felt a little strange.

V6 was invited because Hiroshi Nagano is considered half involved, but what's the meaning of SMAP also showing up?

Surely it's not Johnny Kitagawa is frail and needs more people to support him, is it?

[It looks like today's negotiations will be quite interesting.]

Shinji's eyes narrowed slightly.

As he entered the banquet hall, Shinji deliberately slowed down by half a step, following behind Kurosawa Hisao.

Kurosawa Hisao smiled slightly, then took the initiative to greet the Kitagawa siblings.

"They're here!"

As the elderly man and two young men entered the banquet hall, Fujishima Taiko immediately realized what was happening.

"A'kuo, Producer Kurosawa is here."

Despite being five years older than her younger brother, Fujishima Taiko, whose eyesight was far superior, immediately recognized the elderly man walking ahead.

"This kid... he's just not one to back down."

Johnny Kitagawa frowned deeply. He immediately realized why Kurosawa Hisao had come here and guessed that today's negotiations would probably not be easy.

"Kitagawa siblings, it's been a long time. Was the last time we met at Father's funeral?" Kurosawa Hisao warmly shook hands with the Kitagawa siblings.

"Producer Kurosawa... Hello!"

Fujishima Taiko's smile was very forced.

"Producer Kurosawa, it's been a long time."

Johnny Kitagawa quickly shook hands with Kurosawa Hisao, his smile no less relaxed than that of his sister.

"President Kitagawa, Vice President Kitagawa, good evening."

Shinji, standing behind Kurosawa Hisao, also revealed a strange smile. Taking advantage of the opportunity when the elderly people were exchanging greetings, he squeezed in a nod to the two people opposite him and quickly shook hands with them.

Shinji managed to gloss over the issue of the gift.

However, when Shinji shook hands with Johnny Kitagawa, he could feel that the other man was using a particularly strong grip.

[You brat from the Matou Family, you really don't want to suffer any loss.]

[Same here, those old men from Johnny & Associates's.]

A few sparks flew between Shinji and Johnny Kitagawa as they looked at each other.

In their first encounter, Shinji Matou held a temporary advantage.

Chapter 116 Shinji: Damn it, I don't recognize a single one of them on stage.

After exchanging greetings, Kurosawa Hisao, the "Tool Person," voluntarily left.

The upcoming negotiations were irrelevant to him; supporting Shinji was his only task for the day.

Next, Kurosawa Hisao can fully enjoy today's banquet and, incidentally, scout out a few actresses... to recommend to his new film Director.

Kurosawa Hisao knew he didn't have his father's talent for Director, so he focused more on being a film producer.

As for the other Tool Person, Shirou Emiya, he left even earlier than Kurosawa Hisao.

As soon as he appeared in the banquet hall, a TBS Television staff member escorted him to the actors' table.

Shirou was happy to get involved in Shinji's mess; it would be a shame to miss out on such a rare feast!

Shinji, on the other hand, sat down with the Kitagawa.

Although today's celebration banquet was just a pretext for both sides in the negotiations, it was still a home turf for TBS Television.

Therefore, Shinji and the Kitagawa siblings did not immediately discuss the main business, but waited for the TBS Television to give their speeches first.

While he was drinking, Shinji observed the other guests in the banquet hall.

The huge banquet hall was filled not only with people from the entertainment industry, but also with athletes and well-known figures from the literary world, as well as several people from the political and business circles, making it a truly distinguished gathering.

It's clear that TBS Television really values this celebration party.

[What a pity, if I didn't have a negotiation assignment, I could have talked to them.]

Shinji shook his head slightly, turning his gaze back to his own table as he observed the Kitagawa siblings.

Johnny Kitagawa sat in his seat with his eyes half-closed, seemingly resting.

On the contrary, his older sister, Fujishima Taiko, seemed much more energetic, holding Takuya Kimura's hand and talking to him.

[What a vibrant old lady!]

Seeing the state of the Kitagawa siblings, Shinji remembered that the Johnny Kitagawa had never been in good health and was said to have stopped managing company affairs and was gradually relinquishing control.

Shinji remembers correctly, the old man didn't even make it to 2020; he passed away in 2019.

On the contrary, Fujishima Taiko, who was 5 years older than her younger brother, lived two more years, and didn't go to be her brother's co-pilot until August 2021.

However, upon seeing the black-rimmed glasses worn by Fujishima Taiko, Shinji suddenly felt that there was nothing strange about it.

After all, black-rimmed glasses have always been a symbol of longevity, haven't they?

Shinji curled the corners of his mouth into a mysterious smile.

His smile made the people at Johnny & Associates's a little uneasy.

Why is Director Matou laughing without any apparent problem? Is there something strange on their faces?

Perhaps because the attendees tonight were all big names in the entertainment industry, TBS even held a small performance as a special event.

Unfortunately, this performance was completely pointless for Shinji.

"...(a type of plant), I don't recognize any of them."

Looking at the singer performing on stage, Shinji felt a little embarrassed.

Shinji's understanding of Japan entertainers is completely polarized across different eras.

Especially female celebrities, the Second Master knows are either older generation like Sayuri Yoshinaga from the 1960s and 70s, or female idols from the 48 Group who only became famous after 2010.

During this period, Shinji only knew a few male stars from Johnny & Associates & Associates.

From this perspective, Johnny & Associates truly deserves to be called Japan's number one talent agency.

"Hey Daigo, aren't you V6 guys going to go up and sing a song?"

Feeling utterly bored, Shinji simply switched places with his Little Secretary Ophelia, and started chatting directly with Hiroshi Nagano.

"Well, Grandma Fujishima didn't make that request," Hiroshi Nagano replied with an awkward smile.

Shinji clicked his tongue. "What a pity. This year is V6's 10th anniversary, and I was hoping to hear you sing."

SMAP's idols are out of the question; they don't deserve to perform on this small stage.

"Haha~ If Director Matou wants to come to our 10th anniversary concert, I can give you a few tickets."

"That's fine, but I'll definitely be very busy when you have your concerts and won't have time to attend."

Shinji shook his head slightly.

It's fine if we happen to run into each other this time, but I'd rather not go to a crowded concert for him.

Even if Shinji didn't have that kind of enthusiasm, it would be worn down by the crazy female fans at the scene.

Just how crazy can Japan female fans be? Shinji witnessed it firsthand during a fan interaction event in Fuyuki City.

"Is that so?"

Seeing that Shinji wasn't interested, Hiroshi Nagano immediately changed the subject, starting to chat with Shinji about some interesting anecdotes from their time filming at Tsuburaya Studios, in an attempt to build rapport between the two.

Shinji listened with a smile, occasionally sharing anecdotes he'd heard about fans.

Unfortunately, Ultraman Tiga only started its first run on television in 2004, Shinji couldn't use the "[Car Accident Hero Hiroshi Nagano]" reference with them.

Honestly, Shinji still can't understand what those people who spread rumors are thinking, that they would fabricate a story about Hiroshi Nagano dying in a car accident just to grab attention.

Thankfully, these people weren't in Japan; otherwise, Johnny & Associates's legal department's Iron Fist would have shown them what it means that "the internet is not a lawless zone."

Johnny & Associates' legal department isn't as well-known as Disney's or Nintendo's, but they take the image rights and reputation rights of their artists very seriously, and will pursue legal action against anyone who damages them in the slightest.

Fortunately, as time went by, everyone knew that Hiroshi Nagano couldn't possibly have been in a car accident, so Daigo gave the title of "Car Accident Hero" to Xiao Lu, making him the second-generation "Car Accident Human Form".

It makes one sigh, "Even a mere link..."

Cough cough.

Shinji pursed his lips, picked up his cup, and took a sip of water.

"Director Matou, what's wrong?"

Seeing the change in Shinji's expression, Hiroshi Nagano quickly asked.

"It's nothing, I just think you're a good person, Daigo."

Shinji stroked his chin and casually gave the other person a "friend card".

"Director Matou, you're joking."

Hiroshi Nagano quickly toasted Shinji.